One Central in the Dubai World Trade Centre precinct has an abundance of tree gardens – notable as a type of public space that rarely features so extensively in Dubai. The tree canopies shade walkways and outdoor sitting areas. The result is an overall character more like a leafy urban park than an inner-city business district.
One Central Dubai World Trade Centre
As an urban design element, trees define mass and void. Together they create a rhythm of outdoor rooms, while the tree canopies overhead also provide natural shaded spaces.
On the street, the continuous canopies have another effect: they define the spatial envelope of street corridors. Alongside, planting beds soften the visual experience. They provide backdrops to the ample seating along all the streets as well.
Seats under tree canopies or close to overgrown garden beds offer a resting place from which to enjoy the birdlife drawn to the trees and the air now full of bird song. Adding to this almost rural experience, in the more densely planted sections, wild and vigorous vegetation spills over the edge of roads and pathways.
As the overgrown planting spills over hard edges, it creates an unexpectedly soft, garden-like character. The view from inside the buildings is of scenes fringed in green. Then, when tree foliage moves in the wind, dynamic patterns of dappled light appear on pavements and building façades.
Also striking are the series of rooftop terraces at varying levels in each building. These planted spaces appear to levitate like green flying carpets between the buildings. Yet the terraces are also usable spaces and offer engrossing views across the city.
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
25.219976, 55.284802
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
25.219976, 55.284802
Plot Size
8.5 ha (20.5 acre)
8.5 ha (20.5 acre)
Lead Consultant
Hopkins Architects
Hopkins Architects
Studio Team
Reynaldo Casin, Meilina Chuah, Kaya Cui Xian Zi, Rodel Demafelis, Kerry Ann Goddard, Balamurugan Gopal, Bernard Hequilan, Santhosh John, Justin Kalinowski, Montarat Kasemsuvan, Harish Kumar, Jeffrey Allen Kurtz, Leo Adrian Namuco, Gerraween Ann Paz, Miguelito Pegi, Lejumon Rajanibhavan, Cassandra Rose, Andre Paul Saladaga, Sunil Samuel, Ian Sandigan, Pierre Smit, Govindan Sukumaran, Laith Wark, Leon Zaayman
Reynaldo Casin, Meilina Chuah, Kaya Cui Xian Zi, Rodel Demafelis, Kerry Ann Goddard, Balamurugan Gopal, Bernard Hequilan, Santhosh John, Justin Kalinowski, Montarat Kasemsuvan, Harish Kumar, Jeffrey Allen Kurtz, Leo Adrian Namuco, Gerraween Ann Paz, Miguelito Pegi, Lejumon Rajanibhavan, Cassandra Rose, Andre Paul Saladaga, Sunil Samuel, Ian Sandigan, Pierre Smit, Govindan Sukumaran, Laith Wark, Leon Zaayman
Project Owner
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre
Role
Master Planning
Concept Design
Schematic Design
Detailed Design
Master Planning
Concept Design
Schematic Design
Detailed Design