Lion Gate is a proposal that links between Dubai historical old town and its futuristic extension, the project is a transnational node between these two zones, which creates a “Point of Exchange” area; indoor / outdoor lounge, recording studios, broadcasting studios, etc. More details from the architect come after the jump.
Architect Description:
The design of the Lion Gate Project creates an urban spine as main generator, an organism which will structure Dubai new and reactivate the link between Dubai historical old town and the future projects – communication between Bur Dubai to Deira, or vice versa.
Courtesy by ARPHENOTYPE
Dubais new Spine will start from the Burj Dubai – 310 Sheikh Zayed Road, over the trade centre road, which will lead into the Lions Gate onto the 103 Omar bin Al Khattab Road. The Lion Gate refers to symbolic bridges, like Golden Gate Bridge, Tower Bridge, Pointe Vecchio or the Rialto Bridge in Venice; each of different size, but rich in traditional meaning for each town – the urban environment is part of them and they add cultural value and symbolic power to the cities.
ON the cross-section between the Creek and the urban spine is a concept space, which will inhabit according to the Du(b)ailities – micro ethnic localities a “Point of Exchange”; indoor / outdoor lounge, recording studios, broadcasting studios, etc. . The Interactive wall / billboard structures into two membranes which are overstretching the carriageway of the bridge; it creates for travellers and commuters a daily update of news and life in Dubai itself.
The transient inhabitant of Dubai feels not foreign anymore; they are part and will set the seeds for the new culture of Dubai.
Credits:
Architect: ARPHENOTYPE
Location: Dubai / UAE
Description: Competition entry / Bridge
Status: competition entry
Project team: Dietmar Koering
Date: 2009
Courtesy by ARPHENOTYPE
Courtesy by ARPHENOTYPE
Courtesy by ARPHENOTYPE
Courtesy by ARPHENOTYPE
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.