Singing Pig

Astrolab City

The City: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens represent the most innovative approach to urban form to be found anywhere in the Middle East. Celebrating the intricate geometry of Arabian art and science its 56 million square feet of verdant parks and gardens divide an 880 million square foot city into a network of sustainable neighbourhoods, each containing the molecule of daily life. Scaled around walk-able distances that provide easy access to food, healthcare and education, this enlightened model of urban planning will help reverse the Gulf’s existing commuter culture that has eroded both communities and the environment.

The Form: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens offer a culturally resonant alternative to the sterile Western-style street grids that currently dominate the Middle East. They replace those rigid, rectilinear lines with the sweeping arcs and circles of the planispheric astrolabe; an instrument perfected by Islamic scholars, craftsmen and astronomers. Fusing the spheres of art and astronomy into an intricate object of enduring beauty, the astrolabe represents one of the greatest leaps of human imagination. It maps the movements of celestial bodies through the vastness of space, etching them onto a brass plate that can be held in the palm of the hand. Dubai is likewise a product of great imagination: A royal vision for a modern city that has risen from an ancient land. To base a new city plan upon an object embodying 2000 years of human invention is to build upon the bedrock of civilisation itself.

The Gardens: A literal translation of the astrolabe’s ornate brass rete, the city’s parks and gardens form a lush green net that catches all the cultural and residential districts within its spreading strands. The lungs of the city, these linear public parks act as carbon sinks that purify the surrounding air while providing shaded ‘green corridors’ that support sustainable modes of transport. Drawing upon the rich heritage of Islamic landscape design the Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens will be a city of canals and fountains, pools and lakes. Their cooling surfaces shall temper the heat of the day, while the sound of trickling water will help create oases of calm amidst the busy metropolis. With garlands of golf courses, bridleways, cycle paths and promenades, the citizens will have ample opportunity to enjoy a healthy active lifestyle.

Tatweer signs Dubai theme park deal

DUBAI: Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, yesterday announced a landmark deal with US-based Marvel Entertainment to develop the world's first Super Heroes theme park in the emirate. Marvel Entertainment is creator of globally-renowned Super Heroes action characters such as Spider-Man, The X-Men, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk. To be located within Dubailand, the Marvel Super Heroes theme park will be one of its key anchor projects. The design and conceptual master plan of this 4.5 million square feet development has recently been finalised. The park, expected to welcome visitors in 2012, will provide families an ultimate destination with new and exciting rides that will enable them to re-live their childhood memories and interact with their much-loved Super Hero characters. Initiated by Tatweer, the Marvel Super Heroes theme park will further enhance and diversify the region's entertainment offerings, and spotlight Dubai's status as one of the world's most attractive tourism destinations. Tatweer executive chairman Saeed Al Muntafiq said we are delighted to welcome Marvel as our latest member in the distinctive Dubailand portfolio. "We are confident this landmark partnership will add further value to the exciting world-class offerings of Dubailand." Marvel Entertainment executive vice-president and Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel said the launch of the Marvel Super Heroes theme park in Dubai would mark its entry into a region that promises tremendous growth potential for Marvel brands. Originally announced last year as a partnership between the Al Ahli group and Marvel Entertainment, Tatweer has now stepped in to oversee and take the development forward, and strategically manage its theme park portfolio. Maisel thanked Al Ahli Group which was instrumental in starting the negotiations to bring the Marvel Super Heroes theme park concept to Dubai. 'The decision to move over to Tatweer's Dubailand is strategic and is aimed at positioning Marvel Super Heroes theme park in the world's most diverse leisure and entertainment destination," he said.

This forum seems to have become the "yellow_bird Dubai forum" - give it a rest yellow_bird (aka Steve) - you need a break - there is life outside of Dubai - or - stick to SSC!