Dubai to preserve its landmark buildings
MODERN HERITAGE INITIATIVE COVERS STRUCTURES BUILT IN 1960S
Dubai’s landmark buildings from the 1960s and ‘70s will be preserved under the Modern Heritage Initiative launched by Dubai Municipality yesterday.
The project to protect these buildings considered to have contributed to the story of Dubai’s development will be launched jointly by the municipality’s planning and architectural heritage departments.
Najib Mohammad Saleh, director of the planning department, said the municipality has listed buildings to be protected in the first phase. These include the Dubai World Trade Centre, Clock Tower, Al Baraha Hospital, Al Khuloud Nursery and Al Ras Library.
The municipality is collaborating with partners such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Al Baraha Hospital, Knowledge Fund Establishment, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and the World Trade Centre for the project.
Ahmad Mahmoud, director of the Architectural Heritage Department, said: “The buildings have had a great impact on shaping the urban environment and crystallising the architectural character of the 1960s and 1970s of Dubai’s development.”
Here’s a look at some of the landmarks in the list.
Al Ras Library
Built in 1963 under the guidance of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, it was the first library in Dubai.
The library has been a vital platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas between people of various cultures for more than 50 years. It is proof that culture has been given special attention, and that nation-building is based not only on economic development, but also on the cultural and intellectual development of the country’s citizens.
Al Khuloud Nursery School
The nursery’s building reflects the extent to which modernity fits with traditional architecture by focusing on natural lighting and shaded spaces.
Its history dates back to 1975. The building was designed by architect Jafar Toukan.
The main characteristic of the building is the natural lighting in all its spaces and the use of bright colours in the coating of its interior walls. The building is surrounded by a two-metrehigh wall, which is done in a decorative manner inspired by the traditional character. The nursery includes a garden with trees and a water tank.
Al Baraha Hospital
It was one of the first hospitals to be built in Deira in 1966 at the expense of the government of Kuwait. The 100-bed hospital was designed by John Harris as part of the city’s expansion, which was later called Al Baraha Hospital. The hospital then provided free services. The building has open spaces in the centre for ventilation and natural lighting.
Dubai World Trade Centre
Built in 1973 by architect John Harris, it was the first skyscraper in the region. Dubai’s horizons have expanded to exploit a large proportion of the oil trade. It seemed to be selfsustaining, and was one of the first projects to promote trade and boost it as a global model.