National Bank of Dubai HQ

Notes

The form of the building was inspired by traditional dhows. The curved facade became a main landmark of modern Dubai.

The building "has a stunning profile that is accentuated by the gentle curvature [...] which its curtain wall assumes. The reflective-glass screen which composes the creek facade is the major focal point of the building [...] the design pays homage to the region's maritime trade. The curved roof of the bank hall (the hull) and the curved golden sheet of glass that makes up the facade (the sail of the dhow) are the leading motifs of the design."  (Damluji, Salma Samar. "Brave New Cities." In The Architecture of The United Arab Emirates. Garnet Publishing, 2006. p. 62.)

Sources

Information in this database is updated constantly. Do not hesitate to send us comments, information, or illustrations (with appropriate credits) to database@arab-architecture.org