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Drawing the picture of Dubai's skyline
Billions of dirhams are being pumped into Dubai's expanding skyline. But will the final product compete with the world's best in terms of architectural standards? Gulf News spoke to internationally-renowned architect Hazel Wong, who was part of the design team for Emirates Towers, about the quality of existing buildings and her latest project.
- By Robert Ditcham, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 January 22, 2007
- Hazel Wong, Regional director, RMJM
- Image Credit:
Billions of dirhams are being pumped into Dubai's expanding skyline. But will the final product compete with the world's best in terms of architectural standards?
Gulf News spoke to internationally-renowned architect Hazel Wong, who was part of the design team for Emirates Towers, about the quality of existing buildings and her latest project.
Gulf News: What attracts architects to Dubai?
Wong: For me it's how fast the projects move. In North America and Europe there are many regulations and historical precedents so projects have to go through a lot of motions to get passed, especially when you are doing something outside the norm. In Dubai you have more freedom to go beyond the norm, although you still have to keep the clients' brief in mind, as well as keeping reign of costs.
Gulf News: Do Dubai's existing buildings rank highly in global architectural standards or are some considered too gimmicky?
Wong: There will always be some of each. Dubai has elevated itself to be the prime focus of global architecture. The pace and amount of development are attracting a lot of international names. Projects get conceived, built and occupied rapidly, which is satisfying for an architect. As for the buildings, you have to remember that they are the clients' projects, not the architects'. We are brought in to assist with an idea, but at the end of the day the client has to be satisfied.
Gulf News: What's missing on Dubai's skyline?
Wong: We've got more than our fair share of the world's tall buildings and we're going to have many more. I think we should be looking at more sophisticated and sustainable designs in terms of building orientation and materials. Buyers of condos have to pay maintenance costs for water and power, so it's in their interests that they invest in a building that has been well thought out and has good energy conservation.
Gulf News: Your most recent project is the West Wharf tower in Business Bay. Will it be considered a landmark building?
Wong: It will stand out as a landmark for its simplicity. It's very pure, it has marine characteristics because of its shape and the materials we're using. It's oriented so that it maximises the view for residents.
Gulf News: Are you designing any concepts in Dubai which are similar to Emirates Towers?
Wong: I'm designing buildings which are not similar, but share the same characteristics of being a timeless design, sculptural and simple. I try to design buildings which change every time you move your viewpoint.
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