May 6 2009
An international panel of judges selects the winning ideas from among 926 design proposals for a Tall Emblem Structure for Dubai.
For the XI ThyssenKrupp Elevator Architecture Award participants from all over the world were required to propose a new Tall Emblem Structure for Za’abeel Park in Dubai. An emblem designed to add to the new face of Dubai, while promoting tourism, and other recreational, scientific and cultural activities.
A total of 926 conceptual design proposals were accepted. The award is held in partnership with the Dubai Municipality and under the auspices of the International Union of Architects. An experienced international panel of judges selected ten project proposals and awarded prizes to the best five.
Fernando Donis from the Netherlands was awarded the US$100,000 First Prize for the "Dubai Frame" proposal. Measuring 150 meters by 105 meters, the construction represents a window to look at the development of the current and future skyline of Dubai. “Rather than compete with the city, the Dubai Frame intends to do the opposite, simply to frame it”, explains the winner.
The US$50,000 Second Prize was awarded to Luo Siwei from China for the "Magic Mirror" proposal. The project with a Twisted Ring structure is 160 meters in diameter and can rotate through 360 degrees.
Three teams were awarded US$20,000 each as the Third Prize Winners who were from Spain, the Netherlands and China. The team led by Alejandro Rios from Spain proposed "The Mirage", the team of Ferran Yusta (Netherlands) and Marta Pozo (France) presented the "Big Beam", and the Canadian Hongbo Lu, residing in China, proposed "The Flying Colors of Dubai".
Established in 1988, the Architecture Award was envisaged by ThyssenKrupp Elevator as a way to engage professionals to create outstanding proposals for major cities, globally.