Before its younger (and taller) sibling stole its thunder, the Burj Al Arab was the jewel of Dubai's skyline. Sitting on its own private island right beside the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab is recognizable by its unique ship-inspired design. The design directly borrows from the sail seen on J-class yachts, standing at a staggering 321 meters tall (that's just 60m shorter than the Empire State Building in New York). Completed in 1999, the seven-star hotel was designed by Tom Wright of WS Atkins, boasting the world's tallest atrium which occupies more than half of the building's height.
A titan of contemporary architecture, Frank Gehry is lauded for his avant-garde approach that challenges the very fabric of architectural norms. His work is often associated with deconstructivism, characterized by a sculptural technique that involves fragmented and dynamic forms. Gehry's masterpieces, such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, often feature undulating shapes and use unconventional materials that give his structures an almost animate presence. In this reimagined Burj Al Arab, one can observe the echoes of Gehry's distinctive style. The building retains its original, sail-like silhouette but is infused with Gehry's signature element of movement. The facade seems to undulate with a life of its own, giving the impression of a fabric caught in a gentle sea breeze. The asymmetric windows and the disjointed place
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]