Dubai Maritime Academy

A Landmark building, which addresses the brief for a World Class Maritime Academy (GFA 35,500 sqm), Museum (GFA 5,000 sqm) and respective Residential accommodation (GFA 23,000sqm); & creates a project to afford a place of prominence on the Dubai Maritime City development itself. Dubai Maritime Academy (DMA) 10 storey building provides for a maritime educational academy with associated teaching facilities, workshops, library, auditorium, recreational and social activities; as well as a Maritime Museum. The 11 storey residential component, for onsite students located on the opposite plot, houses academic facilities at ground level to include a Fire Training Ground, Engineering Workshops, and Swimming Pool. Onsite car parking is provided for both sites. CONTEXT The Scheme responds to its context by its orientation on the site and by the nature of its form creates an analogy with the industrial and commercial sectors of Dubai Maritime City master plan, either side of the DMA site. FLEXIBILITY & MOVEMENT Structural Grid permits flexibility of academy space. Academic wings can operate both independently and as one when joined at high level. At the same time, the Scheme is treated as one homogeneous entity exercised by creating both physically and visual links between the academy and museum spaces to enhance the journey and experience for both the student and visitor alike. SENSE OF PLACE A significant forecourt generates a sense of arrival and identity to each use of the maritime academy; all within a safe and pedestrian friendly environment that follows desire lines to link key destinations of the Academy and Museum alike and adjacent facilities as well as avoiding conflict with vehicles. Internal courtyards are on offer to provide alternative spaces for the student and staff to congregate, shelter, participate in recreation and encourage daylight penetration. A landscape environment on the museum roof encourages the participant to engage and gather; a Window view back to the gulf and shipping activity enhances the dialogue with the Maritime Theme of the project. PROPORTION With clear identity and planning organization the Building mass is designed as a series of proportions to realise a Harmonious Proposal. The Void creates access between wings, aspect and shade, adds interest and uniqueness to the Dubai Maritime Academy project & distinguishes it from adjacent developments. As a contrast, material variation and glazing treatment is exercised between the Academy and Museum. LINEAR With the intention to encourage harmony between all components of the development, the Landscape Concept proposes a framework that supports the ‘Linear’ theme of the Academy building mass. It will be a design that encourages pedestrian activity, street life and develop a sense of ‘campus’ environment and at the same time satisfies the Museum visitor. SUSTAINABLITY Within a unique landscape setting, it is to set a standard for quality of design and character for all elements of the development; and promote a high standard of amenity, aesthetics, safety and lifestyle. It is to propose sustainable living, with appropriate use of building fabric, better U-values, PV cells, irrigation efficiency, recycled waste water and selection of plant species, which minimizes maintenance, water usage, lighting power and cooling/heating requirements. The aim for Dubai Maritime Academy is to attain LEED ‘Gold’ accredited.