Dubai opera house
the city of dubai is ready to add to its roster of impressive architecture with a new cultural complex, designed by atkins, to be built opposite the world’s tallest building. the ‘dubai opera’, initiated by global property developers
EMAAR,
forms the centerpiece of the city’s downtown opera district – a region
that will eventually include a range of luxury hotels and residences, a
retail plaza, restaurants, recreational spaces and parks.
accessed from mohammed bin rashif boulevard, the district is connected with pedestrianized walkways and animated streets.
not only will the shaded plaza encourage people to spend time outdoors,
but also guide pedestrians towards the landscaped waterfront promenade.
the ‘dubai opera’ is a 2,000 seat multi-format theater whose
design is born from the city’s maritime history, in particular arabian
sailing vessels. the ‘bow’ of the structure contains the main
stage, orchestra and seating areas, while the elongated ‘hull’ features
waiting areas for spectators, a taxi-drop off area and parking
amenities. the scheme boasts a number of versatile spaces including a
lounge positioned at the uppermost level, with the restaurant, which
also contains a small stage for performances, presenting sweeping views
across the neighboring lake and towards the towering burj khalifa.
importantly, the complex has the ability to transform into three
different modes; a theater, a concert hall, and a ‘flat floor’ – an
open space for a variety of banquets or special events. in
theater mode, the space is suitable for opera, musicals, ballet and
dance performances, large scale drama productions, lectures and
conferences – seating between 1,940 and 2,040 guests depending on
configuration.
in order to transform the venue into a concert hall, a series of
towers on stage create an acoustic shell that surrounds the orchestra,
while overhead reflectors enhance the hall’s acoustics. in
addition, the concert platform can vary in size to suit the ensemble. in
the third arrangement – ‘flat floor’ mode – the room caters for a
number of events, including weddings, with banquet-style seating able to
accommodate up to 1,000 guests. the volume offers the flexibility to be
configured for trade shows and exhibitions where furniture can be
supplied or removed accordingly.
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| the scheme guides pedestrians towards the landscaped waterfront promenade |
mohamed alabbar, chairman of
EMAAR properties, said:
‘the
opera district highlights the vision of his highness sheikh mohammed
bin rashid al maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler
of dubai, to develop a vibrant cultural community and events destination
in the city which will encourage our talented local artists and also
promote global cultural exchange.
‘dubai opera, which is central to the new arts and
lifestyle district, will be a spectacular addition to downtown dubai,
already home to global icons such as burj khalifa. the
state-of-the-art opera house and the varied lifestyle components of the
opera district will energize dubai’s events and tourism sectors. with
the city establishing its global reputation as an arts hub, the new
development will also strengthen the ‘dubai art season,’ which brings
together the city’s vibrant arts initiatives.’
the complex is on track to open its doors to the public in 2016.
in theater mode the space is suitable for opera, musicals, ballet and dance performances
as a concert hall, a series of towers on stage create an acoustic shell that surrounds the orchestra
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| in ‘flat floor’ mode, the room caters for a number of events with banquet-style seating |
the region will eventually include a range of luxury hotels and residences, a retail plaza and restaurants
the opera house is located directly adjacent to the world’s tallest building
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| the ‘dubai opera’ viewed in front of its waterside location |
a model of the complex details the surrounding urban fabric ; the site is accessed from mohammed bin rashif boulevard.
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