Next stage design master planning is well progressed for Dubai Expo 2020’s host venue, Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali – a 438-hectare site that includes the dedicated gated 150-hectare Dubai Expo 2020 area, and an additional surrounding residential, hospitality and logistics zone.
The work is being undertaken with Dubai Expo 2020 by a consortium made up of HOK and Arup, which continue their association with the project from the successful bid phase.
“Expos have been home to some of the world’s most landmark structures, from the Crystal Palace in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Dubai is committed to building on this tradition and making the entire site an experiential environment that fully embodies the essence of our theme ‘connecting minds, creating the future’,” said Reem Al Hashimy, U.A.E. Minister of State, Managing Director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Preparatory Committee and Director-General of Dubai Expo 2020 Office.
The team of lead architects and urban planners, HOK, with infrastructure experts and engineering partners, Arup, were selected because of their successful involvement with the master plan during the bid phase and their detailed knowledge of the project, as well as relevant expertise on other mega events internationally.
“The master plan design and execution is driven by a clear vision for its legacy, integrating sustainable urban development with opportunities to foster economic and social development for the emirate, for the country and for our region,” said Helal Almarri, Director-General, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Preparatory Committee member.
The HOK-Arup consortium will support the Dubai Expo 2020 in the development of strategic and operational components of the Expo master plan including sustainability practices; development of building, pavilions, urban design and engineering guidelines; spatial planning; public realm and landscaping; graphics and way-finding signage; as well as overlay, event operations and facilities management.
Furthermore, they will assist in transportation and pedestrian modelling; capacity assessment for utilities, infrastructure, security, logistics and environmental design practices as well as detailed integration of the site into the wider Dubai infrastructure. Aligned with the Smart City development priority outlined in the Dubai Vision 2020 mandated by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Expo site is also being designed to serve as a prototype showcasing cutting edge ICT innovations that can deliver a unique educational and entertainment experience across the entire Expo site and beyond.
“HOK and our consultants Arup are pleased to re-engage with this landmark project allowing us to continue on the next chapter and help in the development of a master plan that sets new precedents for hosting a global event of this type. Dubai Expo 2020 will ensure the site leaves behind an iconic legacy befitting of this truly generation defining event,” said Daniel Hajjar, Senior Vice President, HOK.
The contract tenure for the master planners will run until the completion of all requirements for the mandatory Registration Phase, due to be approved by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), the governing body of the World Expo, by November 2015.
Site readiness activity is currently underway on the Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali site with full-fledged construction beginning after BIE approval is received.
At its peak, the Dubai Expo 2020 exhibition site at Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali is designed to accommodate up to 300,000 visitors, with average week-day attendance expected at 153,000.
Running October 2020 through April 2021, the Expo will launch the country’s Golden Jubilee celebration and serve as a springboard from which to inaugurate a progressive and sustainable vision for the coming decades.
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
