Dubai - The Emblem of Peace

Dubai is often viewed today as a bustling metropolitan hub of great architectural and technological achievements.

History

Originally, Dubai started off as a string of small fishing communities along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. These slowly merged and evolved into a principal port on the Gulf coast by the late 1870, and today it is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world.

Religion

One of the most important religions of the people in Dubai is Islam, a religion born out of the harsh deserts of the Middle East, which celebrates creation and awe at what God has endowed upon us.

So as an emblem of what Dubai has achieved in its entire splendor, the Emblem of Peace will endeavor to represent the marriage of the duality of Dubai; it's western achievements of science, technology and architecture, together with its keen religious observations of Islam.

Emblem Structure

An emblem structure symbolically represents a nation and is a structure that is instantly recognizable such as the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, becoming the image or ‘face’ of a country, so to speak.

The Eiffel Tower in France is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It represents the technological advancements of the country during the time it was built (being the tallest structure when it was completed in 1889) and also the artistic nature of the people of France.

The Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States by the people of France in 1886 to welcome visitors, immigrants and returning Americans. Today, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable icons worldwide and it has become a symbol of freedom and democracy.

The Hassan Tower, the grandiose minaret of an incomplete mosque is a land mark in Rabat, Morocco. It was originally designed to be the tallest minaret and the largest mosque in the world. The design also reflects the culture and the religious belief of the people.

The Design Concept

In this modern day and age, many of us tend to shun religion and turn to science as an alternative way of thinking, leaving our beliefs for the idea that we as men evolved from plankton and amoebas into the thinking, rational beings we are today. This comes as no surprise, for to most of us, the ideas represented by scientists, supported by cold, hard evidence making irrefutable theorems contradict the very nature of religion. However, it is still possible to be a man of science and of religion. Some of the greatest minds in the history of science believed strongly in God; Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and so on. So to put it clearly, this building also shows us how religion and science can coexist.

However, the keyword here is Peace. For what is religion without the notion of peace? The Emblem of Peace therefore represents not only the transcendence of religion unto science, and vice versa, but it is also a declaration of Islam as a peaceful religion, because in the Western eye it’s name has been tarnished by some radical groups, making Islam now synonymous with Jihad and war.

A celebration of Technology

The design was originally conceived as an egg-shaped shell structure which would be able to change and evolve in color as needed, mainly to reflect the weather and in a lesser sense to act as a ‘clock’ which would tell us roughly the time of day.

To achieve this, the external shell has to be built as an exoskeleton which will be able to hold up the weight of the whole structure. The use of the traditional Islamic Screen as the main frame of the exoskeleton and changeable infill panel will form the basis of the design concept to celebrate technology and religion working harmoniously together to form a greater beauty and truth.

A celebration of religious values

The design concept attempts to celebrate Islam by portraying Islamic values and principles through the design. One of the values celebrated is the Islamic views on nature and the other is one of the five pillars of Islam (Prayer), for the Exoskeleton lights up at the five different prayer times as a reminder to all Muslims within view of the building.

Islamic views on Nature

In the Qur'an, it is said that the unbeliever is one who neither recognizes nor appreciates the signs of God. The distinctive feature of a believer is the ability to see these signs and proofs. This design concept attempts to be a point of observation these virtues of Nature and God, for one’s own contemplation.

The signs of God

"With it He produces for you corn, olives, date palms, grapes and every kind of fruit; verily, in this is a sign for those who give thought." (Surat An-Nahl 16:11) What is being said is that when one gives careful consideration to the matter, it is only by God that a small, insignificant seed can be split and then turned into something far larger than itself and in turn, offered to man as fruit to nourish us. For how can a seed be able to, of its own accord, transform into something as magnificent and beautiful as a tree that bears fruit. Surely the seed has not the rational thought likened to a human to be able to do so purely of its own accord.

For this purpose, the project is designed so people may observe the wonders of God, His efficacy, His triumph. There are examples all over in this building of His beautiful creations in nature, in the beauty that He has offered us; the water which is central to all life, and therefore, to the design, which stands symbolically as a tree growing out of an oasis; the flora and fauna which we are given; and finally, the notion of heaven, for our own contemplation and wonder. And these examples thrive in nature, to which man is so often in this day and age a stranger.

The natural elements incorporated in the design not only serve as examples and reminders but becomes a central organizer of the spaces and generator of ideas.

So not only is this project for the believers to confirm their faith, but it is also for the non-believers to appreciate and understand the true meaning of Islam and its noble causes, but also in a larger sense, that all the wonders we see around us substantiate the notion of a creator.

Five pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam are the core beliefs that shape Muslim thought and daily lives. One of the five pillars is prayer. The Muslim prays five times a day and the names of the prayers are Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha.

The tower is designed to change and evolves through colors and lighting at different times of the day to symbolically represent the 5 prayer times and philosophically to emphasis on the five pillars of Islam.

To emphasize on PEACE

The west has often views Islam with a fearful and doubtful eye, never forgetting how Islam has often been used in the name of terrorism. But this is hardly the case. Islam, being born out of harsh deserts, is simply an admiration and gratitude at what we have been given, and what marvels have been done by God for our betterment.

For other people to better understand the religion, it is important for other people to understand the religion. As a Centre of Learning, the Emblem of Peace will promote peace and understanding.

Master Layout Plan

The design focuses on a tower which stands at an angle to acknowledge the Qibla direction, which is surrounded on all sides by water to symbolize the centrality of water in Islam. The water, which is fed by streams of water which flow from the garden of paradise, is encased within a podium of transparent screen which will be designed to imitate the sand dunes of the desert, representing not only the fact that Islam has been born out of the deserts, but also symbolizing the great city of Dubai, which was born out of the desert with no shortness of gratitude to the waters surrounding.

Like an Oasis in the desert. The tower rises up only due to water in the middle like an oasis, for us to realize that none of this would be possible without water.

For it is stated "(water) is the origin of all life on Earth, the substance from which God created man" (Al-Furqan 25:54) and again here "We made from water every living thing" (Al-Anibiyaa' 21:30) So with this, we better can understand that not only is water nourishment to us, neither is it a method to slake our thirst, but it is central to life, and what is Islam without life?

The Pedestrian Plaza

The ground floor of the podium is a pedestrian plaza which allows visitors to filter through to the centre, acting as an antechamber, allowing access to the Tower, the Children’s Library, the Café and the Garden.

The Garden

The water from the garden feeds into the central water feature (surrounding the tower). This water will be fed by pipes and fountains integrated into the design of garden.

Traditionally, gardens in Islam are designed differently from a customary western garden due the climate in Muslim areas, which are primarily hot and arid. So there would be much emphasis on shade and are surrounded by walls on all sides, with a central flowing water feature, which is also an important feature. These gardens hope to achieve sanctuary for its guests, and a place for contemplation for physical and spiritual betterment.

However, the design of this garden is divided into an area which is totally shaded under the podium, partially shaded at the central water feature, and out in the open which is shaded mainly by trees.

The Tower

Upon entry at ground floor there will be a main conference room and the tower lift lobby. Above on the first chamber will be an exhibit hall for Islamic arts. Chamber 2 above houses a community library while chamber 3 & 4 are electronic library. Chamber 5 is a prayer hall. The top level is a viewing deck.

Conference Room

Designed for practical purposes, the conference room will be used for seminars, functions and other events. The conference room can be entered through a bridge coming form the podium antechamber

Islamic Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall will be located on the second floor of the tower, taking up multiple levels in order to portray. Islamic arts through unique perspectives, like being hung from high above. Multi level viewing decks are accessible through elevators, giving different views and displays.

Community and Electronic Libraries

Located in above the Islamic Exhibit Hall in the tower, this concept will define the future of libraries and set a new standard. Upon entry, guests are presented with cubicles that allow individuals and small groups to enter, upon which the cubicle will be elevated above to spherical LCD screens that will surround the researcher for a truly mind-blowing experience.

Prayer Hall

Just as its name suggests, the Prayer Hall will be open at the five prayer times to afford guests with a place to pray and give thanks to God.

Viewing Platform

Being the pinnacle of the tower, this place symbolically represents our unity with God and with all that he has created and also serves as a place of contemplation for all present, to look down from up above.

The Podium

The podium is the structure surrounding the tower, and also has many practical purposes and functions.

The ground floor of the podium accommodates the plaza, the café and toilet facilities, and also serves mainly as the tower’s antechamber. The Café will be located in a place that overlooks the Garden.

The first floor will house the Children’s Library, which is planned as a multi storey space where platforms can be created to reflect on different categories.

Za’abeel Park

The Emblem of Peace is designed as a flowing garden, which flows from the outside garden to the central water feature, from which ‘grows’ the tower.