30 Days of Gratefulness – Ramadan Part 4: Modern Architecture

Today in Dubai a remarkable heat came over the city. A torrid dog day afternoon blaze beat down on my head as I walked the kilometer home, from Dubai Mall to DIFC – the Dubai International Financial Centre, after meeting friend Anne S for an after work chatter. I roasted; it scalded; my hair seemed alight. And allow me to excuse my meltdown, gentle reader, for there exist no awnings (let alone avenues of shops along the way to pop into in order to cool down). But soon enough I came to shaded parts: the magnificently designed, thoroughly modern financial heart of Dubai – the DIFC…

The DIFC, Dubai: f/10; Exposure 1/200sec; ISO-100

If an urban oasis could be designed, then this place would be the reference. The DIFC complex draws inspiration from geographical and geological properties which links architectural concept to local and regional contexts. Canadian-based ACDF Architects approached the project with the vision of reinterpreting the natural components of the Gulf region.

DIFC Reflecting Sheikh Zayed Road Towers: f/5.6; 1/400sec; ISO-100

No wonder I feel instantly cooler once I step into its protective canopy, for the DIFC was based on the natural characteristics of the four elements found on the site:

• Water – shimmering texture reflecting the sun, turquoise in color;
• Air – salty breeze constantly eroding and polishing surfaces;
• Earth – sand and minerals reflected in the building materials;
• Sun – sparkling in the facade features of each building.

Elements in Architecture being enjoyed by friend Anne S: f/9; Exposure 1/200sec; ISO-100

Palm trees sprout throughout and provide shade as well as thousands of dates to the local community each year. My skin saviour – awnings – are plentiful and give shade from which to appraise this great architecture around me: reflections bouncing images of building upon building; my visual perception distorted by the interplay of water, glass, marble, metal and concrete.

Finally cooled off, and revived with what this city gifts its residents – modern architecture done beautifully – I could walk the rest of the way home pleased to have taken a moment to fall in love my city Dubai, all over again.