CRAFTING A LANDMARK IN DUBAI

Colin Doyle, Managing Partner of LW Design Group unveils the landmark development project - Dubai City Walk. James Matthews takes a tour

Nowhere else pushes the boundaries of downtown dynamism and architectural grandeur better than Dubai - a pulsating city charged with futuristic vision, wrapped in desert splendour.

A focal point of this tomorrow’s world city is City Walk, reminiscent of LA’s Rodeo Drive with its tranquil tree-lined boulevards and trend-setting urban vibe. The stand-out feature of this district is, thanks in no small part, down to the creative talents of the LW Design Group; a company that has set a design precedent with no fewer than 11 landmark real estate projects, including the Masterplan and Public Realm for City Walk.

Unusual for Dubai, these residential buildings are not high-rise. Instead - with a maximum height of just six floors - they create a real sense of community. One, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, as well as a four-bed duplex, make up the configuration of each building.

Stylish marble adorns the lobbies, and apartments come with high-end European kitchens, timber flooring, walk-in wardrobes and balconies to maximise the exceptional views. Architectural styles differ slightly for each building, with materials including natural stone, glass, aluminium, and ceramic to suit the harsh climate of the region, while retaining an overall contemporary European feel.

Some of the buildings have courtyards – with either Bamboo, Woodland or Garden accents. These act as both a shared space for residents and an attraction for nonresidents, with retail and dining options that are accessible from the boulevard. Every aspect of ‘elegant living’ has been factored into the design, including first-class amenities ranging from on-site gyms to private pools.

But LWs contribution doesn’t stop there. The team is also responsible for the master plan design - the look, layout, and configuration of the sleek boulevard which unites some of the world’s most prestigious designer brands with gourmet dining establishments in a setting where the ceiling is quite literally the sky.

Expertly conceived, City Walk prioritises the experience of pedestrians who, when perusing the luxury district, pass through community focused space, enhanced by bespoke lighting, patterned paving and deliberated landscaping. Sharp lines, a simple colour palette and a limited use of groundcover distinguish the area, while canopied trees provide shade along the boulevard and fragrant trees providing sensory experiences in the linear park and smaller spaces.

Cyclists benefit from dedicated cycle lanes and traffic speed and flow is controlled by well-placed crossings. The overall effect is one of a vibrant, accessible community, where residents and visitors share striking public spaces.