The Dubai Design District (d3) has tapped Foster + Partners to design its masterplan's second phase. Spanning one million-square-feet, the new development will be a "Creative Community" that will serve as a "thriving cultural epicenter" within d3, and an "incubator" for emerging designers an artists.
“This is an exciting initiative, which supports young creatives, and allows Dubai’s design scene to flourish from within," says Gerard Evenden, Studio Head at Foster + Partners.
"Approaching the brief, our first step was to explore the balance of activities in a successful, youthful, creative hub, and to understand the aspirations of the different users. We analyzed the way that spaces were being used, and then brought a variety of functions together to encourage collaboration between disciplines. This, combined with the highly flexible modules, will help to create a thriving, self-sustaining community."
Foster's design, chosen following a competitive selection process that considered a number of high-profile architects, includes flexible offices, co-working communal facilities, outdoor display venues, and a number of pedestrianized spaces set within a vibrant landscape. It is intended that these spaces will be used year-round, attracting visitors worldwide.
d3's Creative Community plans to complete in 2017.
