October 24, 2008
New Eye Park development introduces technological improvements to a rapidly expanding Dubai
As part of Dubai's ongoing plan to become a worldwide tourist, entertainment, and leisure destination, Tameer Holding Investments have employed retail design firm Callison to develop six mixed-use towers in the heart of the new Dubailand development. The new towers – to be collectively known as Eye Park - will offer over around 1.9 million square feet of residential space, and 100,00 square feet of retail space, along with full amenities, car parking, and shopping areas.
October 22, 2008
Create a Reflection in 5 K.I.S.S. Steps
Create a Reflection in 5 K.I.S.S. Steps
If there is one thing I have learned in my years as a graphic designer, it's that I need to keep things simple. I always try to keep in mind the old adage, K.I.S.S. (keep it simple silly). Now, I'm aware that normally the word "silly" is replaced by "stupid," but the word "stupid" is not a very positive thing to be repeating to yourself each day.
Standard, Enhanced, Custom, and Multi-User Plans
Creating a Vector Face in Illustrator
1. Let's start by creating some basic line art as the base for the illustration. I used Corel Painter to draw it, but pen and paper work just as well! Draw a female face, bearing in mind the basic proportions of the human face.

October 13, 2008
An introduction to Real Estate Opportunities in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Location :
The first of the Palm Islands to be launched, Palm Jumeirah represents one of the most exciting property developments of all time. This man-made island, off Dubai's popular coastline will cover an area of 7 million square meters and is surrounded by a 12 kilometre-long crescent shaped breakwater. Over 220 kilometres of beach front will be offered on Palm Jumeirah.
The Palm will offer residents a choice of some 2,000 villas from exclusive Signature Villas to beachfront Garden Villas and Town Houses. In addition there are 2,500 luxury apartments in a variety of styles and surroundings. Visitors and residents to Palm Jumeirah will be spoilt by the world-class hotels on the trunk and crescent of the Palm, the 220 boutique shops and restaurants on the famous Golden Mile, two marinas, spas and other first class facilities.
The Crescent
The Crescent is 12 kilometres long and surrounds the island, acting as a breakwater. This breakwater has been designed by international specialists and is able to withstand a four-metre wave. The Crescent on Palm Jumeirah will be one of the most desirable hoiday destinations in the world featuring 22 boutique hotels, each with its own theme.
The Crown
The Crown of the Palm consists of seventeen fronds. Each of the fronds provides residents a fabulous beachfront home in private surroundings. Buyers can choose from a wide range of different styled themed properties, ensuring that this is truly their dream home.
Signature Villas are on the 'fronds' of The Palm, providing the ultimate exclusive and luxury residence in a secure environment. These six or seven-bedroom homes have large private swimming pools and private beaches. The properties are finished to the highest standards and are offered with a choice of the following themes:
1. European
2. Mediterranean
3. Arabic
4. Contemporary
Garden Villas are available as three, four and five-bedroom properties. Each property features a fabulous private pool and stunning water views. These homes offer residents between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet of living space. The Garden Villas on Palm Jumeirah are fitted with the finest fixtures and are available with Mediterranean and Arabic themes.
Town houses offer owners 4,100 square feet of living accommodation in three and four-bedroom properties. Each of the Townhouses on Palm Jumeirah has the added benefit of shared swimming pools and private communal beach areas. As with all of the properties on this development they are finished to the highest standards.
The Trunk
The Trunk of the Palm will be home to some of the most luxurious apartments in the Dubai property market. At nearly half a kilometer wide, it will act as the central point of the palm Jumeirah with theme parks, marinas, shopping malls and restaurants. It will also feature a monorail system for the convenience of residents and guests.
Shoreline apartments are located on the right hand side of the trunk of the Palm. Sea-facing and canal-facing apartments ranging from 1 bedroom up to 4 bedroom penthouses are available. Each Shoreline Apartment has access to private swimming pools, modern gyms and children's playgrounds.
The Golden Mile Residences will comprise of 10 waterfront buildings, these will range from 1 bedroom apartments to penthouses and town homes. Together there will be a total of approximately 780 apartments which will afford residents exceptional services and views.
Marina Village Apartments - Oceana
Marina Village Apartments - Oceana is a major apartment project on the Palm Jumeirah. Located on the trunk of The Palm comprises of seven buildings. Each building comprises of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments offering owners spacious living accomodation, high quality finishes and panoramic views to the garden, beach and marina.
All residents of Oceana will be entitled to join the fabulous Regatta Club. The Regatta Club will include a number of world class facilities including a beach, running track, a large, landscaped recreation area, fully equipped gym, sauna and steam rooms, outdoor pool, children's pool and play area. The Oceana apartments are located within close walking distance from a first class shopping mall.
NY Museum gets needed upgrade
From WAN
Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt unveils expansion plan
The Cooper Hewitt, America's National Design Museum, has unveiled design plans for an enlarged and enhanced facility to house its vast collection. The $64 million project, which is slated to begin construction in January 2009, is being led by Gluckman Mayner Architects with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects on board as Executive Architect.
The ambitious project, which involves the restoration of the landmark Carnegie Mansion and the renovation of two adjacent townhouses, will almost double Cooper-Hewitt's exhibition space. Major components of the project include a new 7,000 sq ft gallery, restored galleries, a new National Design Library and expanded collection storage. When completed, the entire 4,000 sq ft of first floor galleries will be allocated to the display of the Museum' s permanent collection, an increase of 400 percent.
Beyer Blinder Belle will lead the Mansion's restoration work, which includes the addition of a new contemporary east stair that connects all three levels of galleries. The most visible architectural changes in the mansion will be this central stair and the new third-floor galleries. The stair design will be sympathetic to the character of the building, yet unify the disparate floors of the museum and facilitate public circulation. The new third-floor gallery will be transformed into a versatile and neutral vessel into which the museum can exhibit a wide range of temporary shows.
Sharon McHugh
US Correspondent
New cancer research facility underway in Lisbon
The development of a new 300,000 sq ft cancer research facility in Lisbon has officially begun.
Symbolically, a small robot placed the first stone of the Champalimaud Foundation Centre at a ceremony attended by Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates. Officials hope the unit will lead researchers to make new discoveries, helping to enhance disease treatment and to bring forward scientific exploration in Portugal.
Consisting of three buildings, the centre is located at Pedroucos Dock on the banks of Tagus River and has been designed to provide a comfortable environment for people staying at its outpatient cancer clinic, as well as being environmentally friendly and enjoying optimal energy and resource management.
Building A will house a rainforest garden which can be visited by patients and staff, in addition to diagnostic, treatment and wellness centres; Building B is to encompass an auditorium, exhibition centre and restaurant; while Building C is expected to be an open-air amphitheatre to hold community events and public performances.
Stephen McDaniel, a principal at RMJM, commented that the project is "an excellent example of a holistic, site-specific approach to sustainability".
He continued: "For example, the proximity to the Tagus River allows us to have a geothermal heat-sink for temperature control, which is further controlled by the massive rainforest garden in the main building. The garden will be 80 x 40 metres, the size of a US football field."
RMJM Hillier are the laboratory and clinical design architects for the project, with Charles Correa appointed as design architect and Portuguese firm Consiste architect of the record.
The Champalimaud Foundation Centre is set to be the first development in a major regeneration of the Belem area of Lisbon, with an expected opening date of October 2010.
Darren Maybury
Reporter
October 09, 2008
The Oval Tower, Another Landmark For Dubai
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| The Oval Tower, Another Landmark For Dubai The Oval Tower is the latest piece of architectural whimsy to come out of Dubai. As you might guess, it is shaped like an oval. The tower in the Business Bay area will be home to 19 floors of office space and a leisure deck with a gymnasium with a sauna, shower and lockers. The building as two distinct parts, the tower and the podium. The podium of the tower will hold a dining area with a panoramic lift and staircase. There will be parking in both the podium and the basement for 651 cars. Source : The Oval Tower, Another Landmark For Dubai |
Modernity and tradition in Dubai architecture by Luiza Karim
Besides being a town on the old caravan route from Iraq to Oman, Dubai was also a transit port for dhows between India east Africa and the northern part of the Gulf. Gradually it developed into a busy commercial centre where people of different cultures and traditions settled and mixed, leading to today's multi-cultural society.
"Like most Arabian Gulf coastal cities, Dubai was established on land near a creek and fresh water. Creeks provided natural ports for dhows, and the sea was a convenient way of transportation, besides being a means of providing food and pearl diving," explains Rashad M. Bukhash, head of historical buildings section at Dubai Municipality.
Read more at Modernity and tradition in Dubai architecture by Luiza Karim
Designboom.com : the future in dubai
dubai architecture: new buildings in the united arab emirates

the future of dubai's waterfront
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duabi or dubai city is located on the northern tip of the united arab emeritus on the persian gulf. it has been ruled
by the al maktoum dynasty since 1833 and has existed in its modern state since 1971. the current ruler is
mohammed bin rashid al maktoum, who is also the prime minister and vice president of the united arab emirates.
the rather small city has a population of 1.6 million people and a 37 billion USD economy based largely on trade,
manufacturing and financial services. contrary to popular belief petrol and natural gas only make up a small
percentage of revenues.
the city has gained world-wide attention in the past few years because of its booming economy and ambitious
architectural projects. with a focus on business and tourism, the city is ramping up construction on an
unprecedented level. in fact, dubai is said to be home to 15% to 25% of the world's 125,000 construction cranes.
don't think that the architectural expansion is over, because a slew of new project are on the table and in
the works as we speak.
here is only a small portion of the buildings that are being proposed, constructed or developed in dubai
and its surrounding region.
