One could have heard a pin drop as the award-winning proposals were read out to a room of journalists and officials from Dubai Municipality (DM). It seemed clear to the critical thinkers in the room that the jury wasn’t dissuaded by entries that seemed to only add to Dubai’s architectural hodgepodge.
“The jury’s decision was disappointing. This was a lost opportunity,” said Dubai architect, Misha Stefan. “The winning projects were all very gimmicky. The jury clearly wasn’t asked to look for something that was contextual or appropriate for Dubai.” In fact, several people in the room questioned whether the jury chose the winning projects for their architectural merit or to massage egos.
As ‘Contemporary Gulf’ architecture becomes more and more popular in cities throughout the region, the idea of modernity coexisting alongside Arabian tradition, history and culture once again seems to have stopped at Dubai’s city limits.
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FEATURED COMMENT
First of all, it is important to specify that the winning submission is not a project. This is only an image of a frame
While the Dubai Frame is clearly modern, nothing about it says ‘Gulf’, which begs a host of questions: “What about the Dubai Frame is site-specific?” asked an incredulous Stefan. “What about it is locally appropriate? What has it got to do with Dubai? What has it got to do with the Gulf?”
In a strange twist, a surprise came out of the press conference. The entire process was turned on its head when H.E. Hussein Nasser Lootah, director general of DM, announced that despite the rigour of the jury process, an “internal committee” would ultimately choose the form of the final project.
When asked directly whether another project would be chosen, His Excellency explained that the jury’s 13 months of scrutiny and decision-making will be considered, but that the final decision will rest with those inside Dubai Municipality.
“It’s just a shame,” reiterated Stefan. “This process is a disappointing illustration of what could have been achieved, but wasn’t.”
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Readers' Comments
Bogdan (May 23, 2009)
Belgium
ThyssenKrupp award was a wasted opportunity.
First of all, it is important to specify that the winning submission is not a project. This is only an image of a frame incorporated in the aerial photographs. No plans, no section, no structural motivation, no sustainability explanation, nothing, just a frame! Should the frame bring a good answer to the intention of: ?The built form should provide a meaning and symbolizing the significant new face of Dubai and/or refer to its historical development. ??
Let me say OK for the concept of void, but if intention was Zen attitude, it was rather a very poor image and not in Zen spirit, but only expression of the poverty of ideas.
Why? Because for example already seen in the last year international competition for the Cheongna CITY TOWER in KOREA among the awarded projects?or even repetition of the idea of the DUBAI RENESSANCE by OMA. In short the awarded submissions were mainly the promotion of PLAGIARISM. Besides this very important fault, another one not less serious was the disrespectful attitude of the jury towards the competitions regulations and program.
In this sense yes, I consider that the ThyssenKrupp award was a wasted opportunity.
Carlos (May 22, 2009) Dubai United Arab Emirates
Dubai Frame
Absolutely amazing idea.
This is an Iconic Piece that has already started to play its role...not to be consensual.
This piece as to do with all the iconic places in the world. Places that deserves to be in frames...places to be remembered.Dubai is and will be that...a place that deserves to be present in the world most important frames.
Sergio L?pez Mej?a (May 19, 2009) La Paz BCS Mexico
I like Dubai frame
I am not an architect, but I like the architect's project and his justification.
Gerhard (May 13, 2009) Dubai United Arab Emirates
Frame of Reference
Let's look on the bright side. Perhaps Dubai Municipality can build the Dubai Frame out of recycled materials, put it on castors, and trundle it around the city to 'frame' developmental problem areas?
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FEATURED COMMENT
First of all, it is important to specify that the winning submission is not a project. This is only an image of a frame