Sheik Zayed Library

                                           (Image courtesy of Cheungvogl)


Project Name: Sheik Zayed Library
Location: Dubai, UAE
Architect(s): Cheungvogl
Cost: TBA
Website: http://www.cheungvogl.com/


The Hong Kong based architectural firm, Cheungvogl has designed a new library in Dubai. The main point of the project, was to create a space, where people can come together to pause, reflect and contemplate. The main inspiration for the design of the library was the ancient culture of Dubai. This building was built to create a message for the public of Dubai, to act as unique landmark. Some people say, that the builiding is shaped resembles a flower growing out of the desert ground.


The architecture duo, that is Cheungvogl used several natural elements to create this building. Constructed from firm bamboo fibres and layers of mesh, together they weight down the root of the building creating a strong foundation. The circular shape of the building was created from primary and secondary steel members  wrapping around a 7.7 metre diameter concrete centre. Because of this unique shape, it provides it's inhabitants a 360 degree panoramic view of Dubai.


The project features many elements and facilities which are beneficial for the public of Dubai. Elements which make the building more suited to it's hot surroundings are things such as location, where the library is situated on slightly submerged ground protecting it from the city of sound, sandy wind and sun. Facilities offered are a children's library and several conference spaces.

MGM Mirage City Center

Project Name: MGM Mirage City Center
Location: Las Vegas (California), USA
Architect(s): Daniel Libeskind
Cost: TBA
Other Contributers: Adamson Associates
Website: http://www.citycenter.com/

Located between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts, in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, comes this beautiful and unique wonder. Reagrding the people behind the wonder, Libeskind had been working as a design consultant with the architectural firm, Adamson Associates to design the retail and public space complex.

Enclosed within crystalline metal shapes, this wonder offers numerous facilities than possible. Amongst the facilities offered, this building combines about 2700 private residence spaces, two 100 non-gaming boutiques and a 4000 casino resort. Talk about comfort!

Extensively designed, this building provides a dramatic entryway into the retail shops, drawing the public in towards the retail shops, cafes and the casino squares. As well as that, it provides an pathway to pedistrian bridges over Harmon Avenue to the Lifestyle hotel and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

This project completed in 2009, brings together the several collabrations of different, well-known architects.

Revenge is a funny thing.

Which movie is this building from?

Clue: There are 13 main characters. They are all thieves.

If you guessed Ocean's 13, then you're right!!

You may be wondering, why I haven't used my usual template, for writing my review. Well, simply becuase this isn't a building. If you watched the movie, then you will know that it's Computer-generated! Although that may be true, it's exterior is extemely elegant with it'spiral shaped design. Standing out amongst the other buildings, this wonder gives off the statement of fun and enetertainment.

It's a shame , it isn't real!

(If you haven't seen the movie, check out the trailer on my 'media' page on the right side)

That is one central park....

Project Name: One Central Park
Location: Sydney, Australia
Architect(s): Jean Nouvel
Cost: 600 Million AUD
Other Contributers: Botanist, Patrick Blanc
Website: TBA

Perfected with exquisite architecture, French architect Jean Nouvel has illustrated his artistic brilliance once again.Not so long ago, Nouvel had put forward his plans for this building, but due to government issues back in 2008. Recently, Nouvel's plans for the One Central Park has been accepted.

Located in the former site of a brewery, the two building site will house 563 luxurious apartments above six retail and recreation podium. Of the two towers, the eastern tower will feature a heliostat, comprised of motorized mirrored panels, whose function is to capture sunlight, and to direct it to retail atrium and landscaped terraces. To add to the excitement, the heliostat will theatrically exhibit colourfully illuminated towers. This feature was designed by lighting artist, Yann Kersale.

Botaniclly inspired, Nouvel teamed up with botantist, Patric Blanc to design the wonderous green facade. The green facade is composed of green boxes and vertical wires incorporated into the loggias creating a green shell of plants.

This building will be due for completion this December.

Murcia.

Project Name: Torre Norte
Location: Murcia, Spain
Architect(s): A-cero
Cost: TBA
Other Contributors: Joaquín Torres
Website: www.a-cero.com


Well-known architecture studio, A-cero have released their new design building, that is to be the highest building in Murcia. Since it's plans to be built back in 2006, the project was put under hiatus due to the economic crisis that was occurring.


The 'Torre Norte' which translates to 'The tower of the North', presents itself as a 100m sleek and elegant complex, which features huge office space, a luxurious hotel and retail facilities. In hopes of building such a beauty, A-cero hope that such a building will help modernize the current perspective of Murcia. 


This building will be due for completion within a year.