Foster + Partners has won a competition to mastermind a creative community and cultural epicentre aimed at attracting visitors and local artists to create a 'Middle-Eastern Shoreditch' in Dubai Design District (d3).

The development plans outline a 1,000,000sq ft (92,903sq m) Creative Community to provide affordable space for emerging local designers and artists to establish themselves, and for art galleries and studios to exhibit their work to visitors.

Foster + Partners’ winning design for the Creative Community includes outdoor display venues, vibrant and attractive landscaping and a contemporary approach to architecture designed to inspire creativity. The plan includes flexible offices; co-working communal facilities and pedestrianised spaces, alongside year-round space management and events.

Inspiration was sought by visiting leading design destinations around the world, including New York’s Meatpacking District and East London’s Shoreditch, to better understand what makes them popular and relevant.

Dubai Design District (d3) is the newest of TECOM Investments’ freezone business parks with 11 buildings currently under construction. It is intended to be a purpose built environment catering to the design, fashion and luxury industry.

The development concept has come about through collaboration between d3’s management team and the region’s existing pool of creative talent, and the area is expected to open in 2017.

Mohammad Al Shehhi, chief operating officer of d3, said the development is intended to help “foster the growth of the UAE’s design industry by acting as a dedicated destination for all things design, fashion, art and luxury.”

He added: “An exciting year round programme of events and activities will drive visitor footfall to d3 and increase international appreciation for regional creative talent.”

Gerard Evenden, studio head at Foster + Partners, said: “We analysed the way that spaces were being used, and then brought a variety of functions together to encourage collaboration between disciplines. This, combined with the highly flexible modules, will help to create a thriving, self-sustaining community.”