When it started off with some desert sands and an ample budget, how is the UAE doing in terms of the quality and style of its architecture?We are familiar with some of the innovative towers and iconic hotels but does architectural creativity in the Emirates straddle a wide range of structures, including university buildings, gas stations, metro stations, bridges and airports?
Lists are arbitrary but take a look at the architectural compilations by the Web Urbanist and see where the UAE is making an appearance.
The lists cover the following range:
15 Amazing Monasteries, Sanctuaries and Abbeys.
(Jordan gets a gong with its Monastery at Petra)
15 Immaculate Temples, Cathedrals and Churches.
7 Urban Wonders of the Modern World
(A Saudi Arabian urban fountain scores an honor in this list)
15 Cool High School, College and University Buildings Designs
10 Great Gas Stations Designs
20 Amazing Airport, Train and Bus Stations Designs
Beyond Brutalism: Creative Concrete Architecture
12 Unbelievable Examples of Buildings in Motion
Awesome Architectural Optical Illusions
Unbuilt Buildings: 12 Awesome Future Architectural Designs
Are there any startling omissions of UAE architecture in these lists?
Link: Brilliant Buildings, Web Urbanist, 7 June 2009.
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: The Origami apartment building by Kann Finch, designed for Meydan City in Dubai gets an appearance on one of the Web Urbanist's lists.
