Striking Geometric Design: The cube-shaped glass structure stands out for its modern geometric design, housing a vertical rainforest that stretches from the ground to the dome’s apex, symbolizing the harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

Sustainable Engineering: The building incorporates eco-friendly practices with climate control systems designed to maintain the delicate balance of a tropical ecosystem, reducing energy consumption while ensuring a thriving rainforest environment.

Immersive Vertical Ecosystem: The dome is home to over 3,000 plants and animals, with a four-story tree serving as the centrepiece. The architectural layout ensures that visitors experience a true-to-life rainforest journey as they ascend through the structure.

Educational and Experiential: The architecture of The Green Planet is designed to be both an educational tool and an immersive experience, inviting visitors to engage with the importance of environmental conservation within a unique urban space.

The post Explore The Green Planet Dubai: A Stunning Urban Rainforest appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) plays a pivotal role in enhancing cultural tourism across the emirate, offering visitors immersive experiences that invite them to explore the city’s museums, historic sites, and heritage landmarks. With a portfolio that includes five museums, five heritage sites, and 17 archaeological sites, Dubai Culture showcases the city’s rich history and cultural essence. Among these, Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest open-air heritage museum, stands out as a ‘hidden gem,’ offering unique cultural pathways that highlight the authenticity of local traditions. 

Etihad Museum captivates visitors with its unique concept, narrating the story of the UAE’s formation and development. Through a carefully curated chronological timeline, it traces the pivotal events that led to the union, particularly between 1968 and 1974. The museum’s exhibits and educational programmes also shed light on the visionary efforts of the UAE’s founding fathers. In contrast, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood remains one of Dubai’s most beloved tourist destinations, where visitors can step back in time and experience the traditional way of life that prevailed from the mid-19th century to the 1970s. Its narrow alleyways and historic houses reflect Dubai’s rich artistic and creative identity, deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.

Hatta, recognised by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the most beautiful 50 small cities in the world for the year 2023, is home to Hatta Heritage Village, a bridge between the past and present, showcasing traditional architecture distinctive to the area and offering its visitors the opportunity to explore the region’s natural history and heritage, and celebrate the rich heritage, customs, and traditions of Hatta.

Dubai’s wealth of archaeological sites offers visitors a captivating journey through its ancient history, stretching back over 300,000 years, from the Stone Age to the late Islamic periods of the 19^th century. Among the most significant discoveries is Saruq al-Hadid, discovered in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This site is one of the richest archaeological treasures in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula, with its artifacts now displayed at the Saruq al-Hadid Museum in Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. Similarly, the Jumeirah Archaeological Site, dating from the Islamic era (900–1800 AD), reflects the historical significance of the Jumeirah region during the Abbasid Caliphate.

Commenting on the importance of cultural tourism, Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of the Culture & Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed its vital role in diversifying Dubai’s economy, stating: “Dubai’s cultural diversity, blending modernity with tradition, and its vast array of artistic and creative events enhance the strength of its tourism and reflect the city’s vibrant identity. At Dubai Culture, we are committed to enhancing cultural tourism in the emirate tourism through various projects and initiatives aligned with our cultural responsibility of safeguarding our tangible and intangible heritage. Through our diverse programmes and events, we aim to offer tourists unique experiences that combine culture, heritage, art, and innovation. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai’s cultural offerings have contributed to a 10% year-on-year increase in cultural tourism, showcasing our efforts in boosting the tourism sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP and solidify its position as a preferred destination for living, working, and entertainment.”

The post Exploring Dubai’s Cultural Heritage Through Creative Journeys and Timeless Experiences appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Whispering Legends– Leila Eskandari, an Iranian artist, created Whispering Legends, which blurs the lines between myth and reality, luring viewers into a dynamic dreamscape of vivid colours, botanical themes, and intricate patterns. Eskandari’s art draws influence from folklore and reflects both personal introspection and universal human experience, to transcend temporal, geographical, and cultural differences

When: Until 28 July,2024
Where: Zawyeh Gallery, Alserkal Avenue Dubai https://zawyeh.net/

Intersections: Tracing Origins– Intersections: Tracing Origins honours the complicated fabric of cultural connectivity via works that explore issues of identity, culture, displacement, and the environment, emphasizing the common threads that bind worldwide groups.

When: Till 23rd May,2024
Where: The Warehouse https://www.instagram.com/goshi_community/

Viva la Frida– Viva la Frida is an intimate portrait of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s life, from the physical challenges she endured after a bus accident when she was 18, to the complexities of her marriage to artist Diego Rivera and her refusal to adhere to socially accepted gender roles.

When: Till 31st May,2024
Where: Theatre of Digital Art at Souk Madinat https://toda.ae/

Carpets of Eden, Gardens of Fantasy, Leila Heller-  Curated by Behrang Samadzadegan, it explores how carpets have long been woven into the fabric of human existence, serving as a vessel for storytelling and cultural expression. The exhibition will showcase a collection of intricately crafted carpets, positioned as dynamic canvases of expression as artists breathe new life into this age-old art form.

When: until Friday, 20 September
Address: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1 https://alserkal.online/

The Echoes of the Orient, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation- This artwork investigate the West’s fascination with the East, navigating the complex interaction of truth and fancy that defines Orientalism. A strong theme of femininity runs throughout, with sensationalized scenes of women playing into Western stereotypes.

When: Until Thursday, 15 August 2024
Address: Al Saadiyat Island, Cultural District, Abu Dhabi https://saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae/

The post Discover Artistic Marvels: Must-Visit Exhibitions in the UAE this May appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

1. Can you share the inspiration and vision behind founding Hall Haus in 2020? How did the diverse backgrounds of Abdoulaye Niang, Sammy Bernoussi, Teddy Sanches, and Zakari Boukhari contribute to the unique creative approach that defines Hall Haus?

In creating Hall Haus, we wanted above all to democratize the discipline of design to as many people as possible, to those who don’t have access to it, and also to change the codes of this discipline so that the messages and problems solved by it are understood by everyone. But we also aim to help solve the social and environmental problems of today and tomorrow.

Two inspirations led us to create Hall Haus, the first the Bauhaus and the second Hip Hop culture, hence our name: Hall Haus.

I think the fact that we have 4 founding entities means we can push our projects further, and help each other, but we also need to understand each other, and the diversity of our backgrounds gives us a better understanding of the world around us.

2. Hall Haus focuses on objects, experiences, and transmission in its design philosophy. Could you elaborate on how these three core areas of focus shape your creative process? How do you ensure that your designs are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve a practical purpose?

Having established our field of action along these 3 axes,  for us the creative process is always the same, and  I can sum it up in 3 words: ideation, development and production. Each project starts as an object, then we scale it up to become an experience, and the transmission is how we can leave an indefinite trace of this creation.

In addition to being an artistic discipline, design is also an industrial discipline, so it has to serve a precise function and need.

3. The name ‘Hall Haus’ suggests a connection between a multicultural environment (hall) and design expertise (haus). How does your multicultural background influence the design choices and concepts you bring to the table? Can you provide examples of projects where this intersection is particularly evident?

When we create, our biggest inspiration is the world around us, our environment, and in our generation and our environment we’ve been rocked by Hip Hop culture, so our inspirations come a lot from music, fashion, architecture, and art in general.

I think our curry mango chair is the perfect example, inspired by Marcel  Bruer’s  B3 armchair representing the Bauhaus philosophy, and also the decathlon folding camping chair, a symbol of French Hip Hop culture.

4. Your goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience to the user.  How do you approach designing for a memorable user experience? Are there specific principles or strategies you consistently apply to achieve this objective in your projects?

No particular strategy, but when we want to create a physical or digital experience, we try to stimulate the 5 human senses: hearing, smell, touch, taste and sight. So that’s why we love working with music producers, fragrance designers, different material textures and so on.

5. Hall Haus maintains a presence on social media platforms. How has the digital space contributed to the growth and visibility of your design organization? In what ways do each of you, individually, use your social media handles(@hall.haus /@sammy_bernoussi / @tedicaps / @zakintheair) to showcase your design work and connect with your audience?

We’ve grown up in the digital world, so we take pleasure in telling our story and the story of our objects through these tools.  I think that everyone in the collective has their own way of telling our story, which is more interesting.

The post Hall Haus – Bridging Cultures and Creativity appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Harmonious Integration: Casa Sussurro artfully integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces, with a design philosophy that prioritizes fluidity and connection. Its expansive veranda, adorned with native flora, serves as a seamless extension of the interior, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature.

Functional Elegance: Beyond its aesthetic allure, Casa Sussurro prioritizes functionality and practicality. The meticulously planned floor plan divides the space into distinct zones, optimizing natural light and ventilation while ensuring privacy and independence for its inhabitants.

Innovative Design Elements: From sculptural staircases to handmade iron frames, Casa Sussurro’s innovative design elements elevate its architectural significance. Thick walls with superior insulation, coupled with strategically positioned openings, showcase a commitment to both sustainability and structural elegance.

Timeless Charm: Echoing Andracco’s Mediterranean roots, Casa Sussurro exudes a timeless charm that transcends cultural boundaries. Its minimalist aesthetic, characterized by neutral colour palettes and sleek finishes, ensures a timeless appeal that resonates with admirers of architectural beauty worldwide.

Casa Sussurro stands as a testament to Davide Andracco’s mastery, offering a unique living experience where innovation meets environmental stewardship, culminating in an architectural wonder that captivates the imagination and inspires awe.

The post Casa Sussurro: Harmonious Integration of Nature and Architecture appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

1. Your work delves into social housing, public space, and the landscape of GCC countries. Could you share the underlying philosophy that guides your architectural approach, particularly in addressing the unique socio-cultural contexts of these regions?

I’m interested in practices that generate their context. For us, this means unearthing histories and piecing together narratives that explain and reconfigure our relationship to buildings and the landscape they inhabit. For example, our proposal for the Abu Makhrouq park competition in Riyadh built off the history of farm plot subdivisions in Arabia to propose a productive landscape for a public park. Moving back and forth between research and design is the only way we can imagine producing architectural work that is both contextual and didactic. It allows buildings to operate as miniature ideas of the world – reinforcing an experience or a way we want to inhabit the world around us.

2. As co-founder of Civil Architecture and curator of the Kuwait Pavilion at the 2016 Venice Biennale, you’ve engaged in collaborative projects on both local and international scales. How do you see collaborative efforts shaping the narrative and impact of contemporary architectural discourse?

Architecture by definition is a collaborative effort – its vision is typically singular and authored by a practice but its commissioning, production, execution and habitation are collective and collaborative. It is impossible for us not to see our projects (and architecture in general) as open-ended and incorporating many different authors. Also, and maybe more importantly, we just enjoy collaborating and learning from others – so it’s not just that we can’t imagine operating otherwise, it’s that we wouldn’t want to. We’ve collaborated with illustrators to render projects, with textile artists to produce textiles and with furniture designers to produce objects for buildings.  Each project allows us to experience new ways of making, drawings and thinking – and for us, this helps both reinforce how we see things as architects, as well as push the limits of our disciplinary perspective by enfolding different perspectives on making, collaborating or thinking through the design process. 

3. Having taught at Rice University School of Architecture and the University of Bahrain, how do you perceive the role of education in shaping the next generation of architects, and what insights from your professional journey do you bring into the classroom?

I try not to go into a classroom or studio with a set of insights to share or to shape the next generation of architects. Rather, I go into a classroom with the idea that I am interested in things – landscapes, histories, ways of seeing architecture – and there are people in the room who are equally interested in the same things and want to explore them together. Most of my teaching has been in seminars and design studios, so the work ends with collective explorations of a topic until we feel like we’ve answered the questions we started with. If I treat the process like I have all the answers to share with students or insights for them to absorb then it runs counter to what I feel my role is as an educator: which is to encourage students to be curious about their subject of interest and to find a way of being passionate about resolving their curiosities. That process only works if I’m equally curious and passionate about their work as they are.  

4. Your work has been exhibited in prestigious events like the Sharjah Architecture Triennale and Oslo Triennale. How has exposure to such diverse international platforms influenced your creative process, and what global dialogues do you believe are crucial for the evolution of contemporary architecture?

Exhibiting in the region and abroad has been important because it allows us to think through ideas with different audiences. If we show something in the Gulf to a regional audience there are different resonances, questions and take-away than to a European, East Asian or Latin American audience. We like seeing how ideas travel and where they resonate. There’s no such thing as ubiquitous global contemporary architecture. There are factions and localities, strands and genealogies. For us allowing ideas to travel helps us expand them and put them in conversation with other modes of thought. 

5. With a Master’s in Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, you’ve experienced diverse architectural landscapes. How do you navigate the delicate balance between preserving traditional architectural elements, particularly in the Gulf, while incorporating innovative and forward-looking design concepts?

I don’t see it as a delicate balance, nor do I see any tension because we don’t think of architecture in those terms. There’s no vector from past to present, nor is there tradition and externality – there are only ideas that dictate practice and the buildings that practice produces. We focus on what we feel are important ideas and produce buildings that manifest those ideas. Everything else is just idiosyncrasies and particulars.  

The post Ali Karimi: Contextual Relevance and Collaboration appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Biophilic Fusion: Inspired by the natural world and Huawei’s ‘Harmony’ operating system, the store’s design mimics organic forms, inviting visitors on a journey through a living forest of harmony. Recurring motifs, such as petal-like features on the facade, symbolize growth and echo the intricate algorithms of Huawei’s technology.

Seamless Integration: The store’s architecture blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, with floor-to-ceiling glass facades allowing natural light to flood the interior. The innovative use of detachable prefabricated systems ensures flexibility while advanced ventilation systems maintain high indoor air quality.

Interactive Experiences: At the heart of the store lies the spiralling ‘Tree of Harmony’, not only anchoring the space but also offering interactive augmented reality experiences. Warm tones and natural materials create a welcoming ambience, while designated zones cater to both product showcases and experiential interactions.

Community Hub: Beyond a retail space, the Huawei Flagship Store serves as a dynamic community hub. Flexible gathering areas, a café, and event spaces foster engagement, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Huawei’s culture and ethos. With its multi-functional design, the store evolves into a platform for cultural exchange and technological exploration.

The post Huawei Flagship Store: Blending Innovation and Nature appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Gravity-Defying Elegance: The Hemeroscopium House in Las Rozas, Madrid, challenges conventional notions of weight and stability with its awe-inspiring design. Ensamble Studio plays a daring game with apparently unstable structures, creating an architectural marvel that seems to defy gravity. The heavy beams, strategically placed in a helical sequence, give the illusion of weightlessness, blurring the boundaries between form and space.

Engineering Ingenuity: The house’s structural complexity goes beyond its visually striking appearance. Crafted with meticulous engineering, the seemingly simple joints of the heavy concrete and steel elements required intricate calculations. The year-long engineering effort culminated in a swift seven-day assembly, showcasing the studio’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is architecturally achievable.

Spatial Harmony with Nature: Named after the Greek concept of the place where the sun sets, Hemeroscopium seeks harmony with its surroundings. Its deliberate placement on a hill in Las Rozas allows for an open interaction with the landscape. The expansive use of glass on the first level creates a seamless connection between the interior and exterior, letting the living spaces embrace the panoramic views and changing natural light.

Symbolic Culmination at the ‘G Point’: The pinnacle of equilibrium in the Hemeroscopium House is marked by the ‘G point’—a 20-ton granite stone that serves as a physical counterweight to the entire structure. Symbolizing the force of gravity, this granite centerpiece embodies the delicate balance achieved through architectural innovation. The house, with its striking symbolism, becomes not just a living space but a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between form, function, and the forces that shape our built environment.

The post Hemeroscopium House Gravity-Defying Elegance in Las Rozas, Madrid appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Farnsworth House is an iconic architectural marvel located in Plano, Illinois, USA. Designed by the legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, it is hailed as a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Completed in 1951, the Farnsworth House is renowned for its minimalist design and innovative use of steel and glass. The structure appears to float above the ground, creating a seamless harmony between nature and man-made form.

The house is a prime example of the International Style, characterized by its open floor plan, clean lines, and an emphasis on functionality. It serves as a reflection of Mies van der Rohe’s “less is more” philosophy, where every element has a purpose and nothing is superfluous.

Farnsworth House has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and attracts architecture enthusiasts and students from all over the world. Its timeless design and architectural significance continue to inspire generations of architects and designers to this day.

Villa Savoye- France

Iconic Modernist Design: Villa Savoye, located in Poissy, France, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect, Le Corbusier. Completed in 1931, it exemplifies the principles of the International Style, with its clean lines, functional spaces, and emphasis on form and function.

Five Points of Architecture: Villa Savoye is celebrated for its incorporation of Le Corbusier’s “Five Points of Architecture,” a set of design principles that revolutionized modern architecture. These points include pilotis (elevated supports), a free plan, a free façade, horizontal windows, and a roof garden, which together created a unique and innovative living space.

Harmony with Nature: Situated amidst lush greenery, Villa Savoye beautifully harmonizes with its natural surroundings. The use of large windows and the inclusion of the roof garden allowed for a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting nature to become an integral part of the living experience.

Symbol of Modern Living: Villa Savoye is not just an architectural wonder; it also symbolizes the spirit of modern living. It represented a departure from the traditional, ornate architecture of the past and embraced a new era of functionality, simplicity, and adaptability, setting the stage for the evolution of contemporary architecture.

The post Modern Architectural Icons: Farnsworth House and Villa Savoye appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

The Cumulus Building is located in the Danfoss Universe Science and Technology Park in Nordborg, Denmark. The building was designed by the German firm J. Mayer H. Architects and completed in 2007.
Its metallic facades and tar roofs give it a modern, industrial look that blends with the surrounding landscape. The building’s design incorporates the outdoor environment, creating an active ground that modulates based on the program and location within the park. Inside, visitors are greeted by a striking space that blurs the line between the building and the park, with endpoints that offer inside-out spaces for exhibition and projection surfaces related to the temporary exhibitions inside.

Nagoya Science Museum and Planetarium – Japan 

The Nagoya Science Museum and Planetarium is a modern architectural wonder located in Nagoya, Japan. Completed in 1962, the building is characterized by its sleek, futuristic design and is covered in reflective glass panels. The museum houses a vast collection of scientific exhibits and is a popular destination for visitors of all ages. One of the largest planetariums in the world is located in the museum, which boasts high-tech equipment and an immersive experience. The Nagoya Science Museum and Planetarium is an impressive testament to Japan’s technological and scientific achievements and a marvel of engineering and design.

The post Stunning masterpieces of Design & Engineering appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.