Apple spreads its wings

The new Apple Dubai Mall features 18 ‘solar wings’ that provide shade during the day, before opening in the evening to give visitors a stunning view. The new Apple Dubai Mall features one of the world’s largest kinetic art installations.

The continuing collaboration between the Apple design team, led by Jony Ive, and Foster + Partners reinterpreted the traditional Arabic Mashrabiya for the store, which is home to 18 ‘solar wings’ that provide shade to visitors during the day and open during the evening to provide views of a stunning setting overlooking The Dubai Fountain.

Stefan Behling, head of studio, Foster + Partners, said: “The opening and closing of these Solar Wings is analogous to a delicate ballet recital – but on a monumental scale.

“In some ways it is a very spiritual experience, with the sun streaming through them and creating the most delicate and beautiful patterns of light and shade – a seamless blend of technology and culture.”

Each wing is 11 metres tall, three metres wide and weighs 1200 kilograms. They are made of carbon fibre and feature multiple layers of tubes that form a dense net that still allows shoppers to have clear views out of the mall.

Visitors can also enjoy a 5.5-metre-deep terrace – complete with nine large trees within large planters incorporating seating – after entering the two-storey store directly from The Dubai Mall. These planters rotate mechanically to ensure that the trees receive an even amount of sunlight.