Khan is also working on the new Museum of London and Tselinny Centre of Contemporary Culture in Almaty
Three huge entry gateways for Expo 2020 Dubai, designed by Asif Khan, will welcome visitors onto the site from 20 October, with a futuristic exploration of the traditional mashrabiya.
Mashrabiyas are a type of decorative, projecting window often used to control light and airflow that are typically found in Arabic residences.
Khan's Expo Entry Portals, which are part of his wider work on the Expo's public realm, are said to be inspired by the aesthetic of the region and are the result of a three-year iterative design process working with a specialist manufacturer.
The self-supporting portals are woven entirely from strands of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre composite, the strength of which allows for dimensions of 21m (69ft) high and 30m (98ft) long.
The woven composition of the structures only becomes apparent in close proximity, while from further away it is suggested they appear to be composed of translucent panels.
Its geometric pattern provides not only structural strength but also material efficiency, wind permeability, shading and also speed of manufacturing.
The portals feature two large doors each measuring 21m (69ft) high and 10m (34ft) wide that will open every morning of the 173 days of Expo 2020 Dubai "in a symbolic act of welcoming the world."
Khan's work on the wider public realm will see the creation of a 6km (4mi) linear park alongside a running track, walking paths of soft and hard materials and places to rest.
Khan said: "The portals will be the first and last encountering moment for all who make the journey to Expo 2020 Dubai, and these capture the very transcendental moment the region is experiencing as it hosts its first World Expo – the celebration not only of UAE’s heritage, but also the future.
"Designing the public realm for Expo 2020 Dubai is a seminal moment for my practice; each aspect of the design invites visitors to immerse themselves in shared Islamic culture, art and language in dialogue with the future spirit of Expo. As visitors explore the many facets of the public realm designs, from the Expo Entry Portals to the seating I made with Lara Captan, I hope it leaves them with an unforgettable sense and experience of place."
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
Khan is also working on the new Museum of London and Tselinny Centre of Contemporary Culture in Almaty
Three huge entry gateways for Expo 2020 Dubai, designed by Asif Khan, will welcome visitors onto the site from 20 October, with a futuristic exploration of the traditional mashrabiya.
Mashrabiyas are a type of decorative, projecting window often used to control light and airflow that are typically found in Arabic residences.
Khan's Expo Entry Portals, which are part of his wider work on the Expo's public realm, are said to be inspired by the aesthetic of the region and are the result of a three-year iterative design process working with a specialist manufacturer.
The self-supporting portals are woven entirely from strands of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre composite, the strength of which allows for dimensions of 21m (69ft) high and 30m (98ft) long.
The woven composition of the structures only becomes apparent in close proximity, while from further away it is suggested they appear to be composed of translucent panels.
Its geometric pattern provides not only structural strength but also material efficiency, wind permeability, shading and also speed of manufacturing.
The portals feature two large doors each measuring 21m (69ft) high and 10m (34ft) wide that will open every morning of the 173 days of Expo 2020 Dubai "in a symbolic act of welcoming the world."
Khan's work on the wider public realm will see the creation of a 6km (4mi) linear park alongside a running track, walking paths of soft and hard materials and places to rest.
Khan said: "The portals will be the first and last encountering moment for all who make the journey to Expo 2020 Dubai, and these capture the very transcendental moment the region is experiencing as it hosts its first World Expo – the celebration not only of UAE’s heritage, but also the future.
"Designing the public realm for Expo 2020 Dubai is a seminal moment for my practice; each aspect of the design invites visitors to immerse themselves in shared Islamic culture, art and language in dialogue with the future spirit of Expo. As visitors explore the many facets of the public realm designs, from the Expo Entry Portals to the seating I made with Lara Captan, I hope it leaves them with an unforgettable sense and experience of place."
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
