Netherlands architect's "Dubai Frame" wins first prize in 11th ThyssenKrupp Elevator Architecture Award

Netherlands architect's "Dubai Frame" wins first prize in 11th ThyssenKrupp Elevator Architecture Award

International jury selected winning ideas from 926 design proposals for a Tall Emblem Structure at Za’abeel Par

Dubai Municipality and ThyssenKrupp Elevator on Wednesday announced the winners of the ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Architecture Award 2009, which was held under the auspices of the International Union of Architects.

Thanking ThyssenKrupp for selecting Dubai from among the cities all over the world for the 11th ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Architecture Award. Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said it reflects the development of Dubai as a major city in the world.

He said this international creative competition, which received tremendous response from more than 70 countries, has put Dubai on the world map in a bigger way.

"The selection of Dubai City as the place for the XI ThyssenKrupp Elevator Architecture Award and the large number of participants in the competition represent an international indication and recognition of the distinctive urban development of Dubai and its role in the promotion of architecture in the world," said Lootah.

The first prize of $100,000 was won by Fernando Donis of the Netherlands for his proposal, "Dubai Frame". Rather than compete with the city, the Dubai Frame intends to do the opposite: simply to frame it, explains the winning team.

"The developmental process of the city – current and future – is captured within the ever-changing portrait framed by the building. Rather than building a massive structure, the purpose of this project is to build a 'void'. Measuring 150 meters by 105 meters, the void is a window to the development of the current and future skyline of Dubai."

At the base of the project, the podium, cultural and conference facilities accumulate. Open to the public, the podium can also be used for numerous events and functions, such as exhibitions, concerts, outdoor theatre and forums. At the top of the structure, at a height of 150 meters, a café is positioned offering breathtaking 360 degree views of the entire city: the roof top offers an open-air site with viewing terraces.

Luo Siwei of China was awarded the $50,000 second prize for the "Magic Mirror" proposal, which is a Twisted Ring structure 160 meters in diameter. The Magic Mirror can rotate in 360 degrees which brings all the view from around it into the frame of the Ring.

Three teams were awarded $20,000 each as the third prize winners. The team led by Alejandro Rios from Spain proposed "The Mirage", the team of Ferran Yusta in the Netherlands and Marta Pozo in France presented the "Big Beam", and the Canadian, Hongbo Lu residing in China, proposed "The Flying Colors of Dubai."

Announcing the winners, Javier del Pozo, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Southern Europe, Africa & Middle East and President of the Jury of the Award, said that the participants were required to propose a new Tall Emblem Structure at Za’abeel Park-an emblem designed to add to the new face of Dubai, while promoting tourism, and other recreational, scientific and cultural activities.

He said a total of 926 conceptual design proposals were presented and evaluated for the Awards by an International Jury, which short-listed ten proposals with merit, and awarded the best five proposals.

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.


Photo: Hussain Lootah and Javier del Pozo during the press conference.