SATWA GARDENS
Visioning & Concept Master Plan
Dubai, UAE
Dutch Urban Solutions (DUS) is pleased to announce the completion of the concept master plan for the former Al Ghurair Printing Works site in Dubai. DUS was invited by Perkins & Will to lead the visioning & design development for this key brown field site.
Brief
The brief, which we developed in close collaboration with the client, aims for a high density mixed use plan with a GFA in excess of 200,000 m2 and a minimum density of 5.0 (FAR). The program consisted of a mix of residential, commercial, hotel and retail uses. The aim was to develop a master plan that would maximise value while allowing for flexibility in development density over time.
Site
The former printing works site is located in the shadows of the high-rise commercial towers on Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR), the main commercial axis of the city of Dubai. To the west it borders the exclusive residential villa community of Jumeirah. The site offers limited connectivity and there are no pedestrian zones in the area that offer a qualitative & protective urban environment.
Potential
The site has the potential to create premium real estate opportunities with unlimited views over the Arabian Gulf, all within walking distance of the main commercial boulevard in Dubai. To maximise on the potential of the site it was clear the program and density would be pushed upwards the master plan therefore needed to be flexible. Considering this, the podium had to guarantee the urban quality of the overall development, creating a landscaped base for a series of variable high rise towers.
Concept
The concept aims to create a new urban space for the city of Dubai, where pedestrians can enjoy a high quality leisure and retail experience. Through the creation of the ‘Urban Wadi’ we established a shaded and landscaped urban environment that will provide a new address and landmark for the city. The hanging gardens create the potential for vertical farming, offering a shaded and naturally cooled environment within the harsh desert climate. At the top of the ‘Urban Wadi” are a series of gardens offering exclusive facilities for the hotel and tower residents. This level is the where the main lobbies of the towers are situated, offering unlimited views towards the Arabian Gulf. The floor plates of the towers are angled to maximise views and provide privacy to each of the units.
Client
Perkins & Will (consultant), Al Ghurair (client)
Project Dates
Dec 2015- Mar 2016
Service Provided
Visioning and Concept Master Plan
Implementation
Currently under review
Key Personal
DUS was contracted as sub consultant by Perkins & Will, Dubai.
Area
Total Land Area
Total GFA
Program
Residential
Commercial
Hotel
Retail
Density
FAR
Population
Residential
Hotel
Retail
Working
38,500 sqm 200,000 sqm
36,300 sqm 31,000 sqm 26,600 sqm 17,500 sqm
5.03
1200
445 4000
1250