The recent design competition for the new People’s Daily building went through several rounds of appraisal, in the end it was the plan of Professor Zhou Qijiao of the Southeast University School of Architecture that won the final bid.
The bid proposal’s design philosophy revolve around the moral philosophy of “Round sky and square earth”, by using a computer model the building start off round and gradually turn into a 3D two-sided shape, and forms a parallel with the rectangular base. Finally the top of the building form a triangular word “人” [People], associated with the theme of the People’s Daily. The round lead-in also fulfills the requirement of the central location of the project.
The three corner of the building bulge out into massive steel pillars all the way to converge at the top, while the three sides of the glass walls are concave surfaces. The entire design is clean and simple, moreover it saves on building costs.
Southeast University School of Architecture depended on this plan to win the competition between 4 other architecture firms (China Architecture Design & Research Group, Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, Central-South Architectural Design Institute, and Zhongye Design Institute); this is also the first time in 50 years that this firm won a design project at the national-level agency in Beijing.
The new building of People’s Daily falls within the 3rd ring road in Beijing, inside the central area of the Beijing Central Business District (CBD), and in alignment with the newly completed CCTV building. The scale of the whole construction reaches over 100 thousand square meters, made up of the International Conference Center, Library, Publishing Building, etc. Among them the height of the tower is over 150 meters. This is the largest construction project since the founding of the People’s Daily, and it will receive widespread attention.
lobby of Dubai’s spectacular new luxury hotel, Atlantis.
But the 13-foot whale shark is apparently a juvenile and a protected species and environmentalists have been waging a campaign against the hotel’s state-owned developers to have her removed. Newspapers, radio stations and schools joined the fray and there was even a petition on the social network, Facebook, signed by 8,000 people. The hotel has maintained that it rescued the shark off the Dubai coast and that it’s been nursing Sammy back to health. However, former employees have told the local press that capturing a whale shark was always part of the hotel’s plan to provide an added tourist attraction. Now, the UAE’s Minister for the Environment, Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, has stepped in, saying the shark will be set free and returned to the sea. Local journalists say the decision to release Sammy came as a surprise to even her staunchest supporters, highlighting how local sensibilities in the UAE are changing. This is in part because Dubai is attracting growing numbers of expats concerned about the environment.
The Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai opened last Thursday with a multimillion-dollar star-spangled party, and a spectacular display of lighting and pyrotechnics. Having spent $1.5 billion, the owners of the Atlantis hotel, which they hope will become the new symbol of excess in a region already replete with towering statements of wealth, splashed out $20 million on its opening. In the lobby of the Atlantis about 2,000 guests sipped Dom Pérignon. Outside, A-list celebrities from Robert De Niro to Lindsay Lohan walked the red carpet.
Here something a little bit different from my usual blogs on Dubai Property and the real estate market over here. Having lived in the U.A.E. for quite some time now I have certainly seen the Country change so much in particular the buildings and landscape.
Here are some of my favourite photo`s, image`s and picture`s, I do hope you enjoy them and it gives you an insight into what the Country is like if you are an outsider.
U.A.E.
The U.A.E. or United Arab Emirates as it is known as was formerly a trading hub in the Gulf and now is more famous for it`s oil output, hotels and shopping!
The Dhow as it is known locally is the old shipping boat that is still used up to this day.
Here is a great image and one of my favourites, this really gives you an idea of the growth that has happended here in a short space of time. Old Dubai vs NewDubai in 13 years.
Here is a map of the U.A.E. showing all the surrounding Countries and also the different Emirates within.
This is the national flag that is flown proudly all over the Emirates.
Lastly in this section is the National currency also known as the Dirham these come in some really big nominations such as 500 or even 1000!
Emirates
This is really the same as the U.A.E. just as not to confuse things! Here are pictures of some famous landmarks
The Burj Al Arab the first seven star hotel on the World. This hotel is like no other I have been in before if you are ever in Dubai you must go and take a look it really is mind blowing!
You can never have too many pictures of the Burj in a photo gallery so here is another you cant really appreciate the size of it but it`s big very BIG.
Of course the Emirates is really one big desert although if you were in the City it`s hard to believe not far away there is sights like this… There are many tours you can go on to have this experience.
This is an old picture showing how life used to be before Dubai flew into the fast lane it was a sleepy tranquil and very hot place to be.
Dubai
Let`s move into the City now and see why this Country has been made so famous, well if you like sun, shopping, fine dining and a very high level of luxury this is the place to be seen. I chose this image as it shows the built up areas close to the coastline and also the projects offshore such as Palm Islands and the World.
Here`s what most people do in their leisure time, relax at the pool and take in the sun and why not!
Here is a close up of the heli pad on Burj Al Arab this was made famous when Agassi and Federer played a game of tennis up there a few years ago and was aired all over the World for the highest game ever!
Lastly in this section a road sign to Abu Dhabi as thats where we`re heading next in the background of this image is the Emirates Towers it`s also an amazing design and was a first for the City on such a grand scale.
Abu Dhabi
Everyone assumes that Dubai is the capital of the U.A.E. but it`s not actually Abu Dhabi is. This very oil rich neighbor down the road hardly get`s any attention that was until one of the City developers recently bought Manchester City football club!
The City is not as big as Dubai and there is a real shortage of quality housing there something which is about to change with the announcement of freehold property.
The City boasts an amazing golf club that attracts many of the Worlds best players, it`s amazing how they keep the grass so green in such ultra hot conditions.
There is a new hotel there called Emirates Palace here is an arial shot of it`s grand gardens, again another hotel trying to take luxury to another level, I think they may have done just that.
Burj Dubai
This is now officially the Worlds tallest building and has been the talking point of many conversation in Dubai over the last few years, its not surprising as you can usually see it from wherever you are located.
Here is a shot later on in the construction cycle and from above.
And lastly a more recent shot with the glass panels intact and the final shape of the tower which is like a needle.
Dubai Hotels
I would say the City now has arguably some of the finest modern hotels in the World right now and that is no mean feat considering the Global competition.
First up is the Fairmont.
Next is the Emirates Towers as mentioned before.
Next is Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the smaller sister of the Burj Al Arab
And finally when I mentioned luxurious before here is an example of what I mean an interior room
Dubai Homes
Since the Dubai property market was announced as freehold in 2002 there has been a frenzy of buying, selling, flipping properties to make it the most dynamic market in the World.
There are a range of villas and apartments that are springing up all over the City to pave way for the influx of residents.
Many come with private pools or are beachfront properties.
Others come with golf course views or lake views in nice communities these homes are great for families with kids as there is so much to do.
Dubai Jobs
In the past few years everyone has seemed to want to get a job in Dubai as it seems such a good place with tax free earnings and excellent weather year round.
If you are looking for a job in Dubai it is best to search online first if you are overseas.
Dubai is famous for its exciting cosmopolitan ambience. Terrific shopping at numerous malls and hundreds of local souks, world class Dubai resorts and hotels, fabulous nightlife and an incredible array of dining options are the main ingredients that create such an alluring and captivating Middle Eastern region. What some people may not be as aware of being the Dubai beaches that add yet another exciting element to Dubai.
Dubai beach holidays are very attractive because of the many facets the famous emirate offers. Sunny, warm weather is prevalent all year long and the sublime, crystal waters are bordered by a number of wonderful Dubai beach resorts. Dubai beaches offer a wide assortment of possibilities for entertainment and outdoor recreation. Things to do include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, picnicking, sunbathing, volleyball and much more. Summertime temperatures float above 100 degrees Fahrenheit making the water a major player in summer vacations.
The most famous of all Dubai beaches is Jumeirah Beach. Edging on the Arabian Gulf, this hotspot for Dubai beach holidays comprises a long stretch of golden sand with plenty of bars, Dubai hotels and private clubs flanking the beach. Much of the stretch along Jumeirah is privately owned but there are spots where public access is available. There are numerous exclusive Dubai beach resorts found on Jumeirah Beach, more than on any other of the beaches. Other Dubai beaches include, Deira, Al Mamzar Park at historical Dubai Creek and the Corniche.
Dubai beach holidays are an exciting way to spend time away from home. Spending time along the golden Arabian shores paired with the many exciting attractions and things to do in Dubai creates the ultimate getaway. The option to spend each and every day lazing along the sunny coast is always an option. Add UAE golfing, traditional dhow cruises and a wealth of the world’s best shopping at the Mall of the Emirates and you’ll quickly find yourself in holiday heaven. For a contrast a world away from the beach, visitors can head to Ski Dubai and race down snowy inclines at the indoor ski dome. Relish in rejuvenating treatments at one of the many incredible Dubai spas and head back to the beach for an evening of exciting nightlife.
There are several Dubai beach resorts to choose from and definitely at least one that will suit all your needs and desires. Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, Grosvenor House and Madinat Jumeirah are three of the most popular Dubai beach resorts among visitors. They are also three of the most distinguished and luxurious beach resorts in Dubai. Beach resorts in Dubai also include the oasis Beach resort, situated on Jumeirah Beach and offering the best of four star services. With spacious rooms, a host of excellent amenities and myriad onsite services, the Oasis offers a relaxing and hassle-free seaside holiday. Both the Ritz Carlton and the Sheraton have both offer a choice in beach resorts in Dubai. Both also offer a leading reputation in the hotel business creating welcomed peace of mind for guests.
All of the beach resorts in Dubai do get very busy in the winter season, especially around January. Beaches are densely populated by Europeans, especially Russians, and you’ll see many signs in Russians along the shorelines. Weekends in Dubai are considered to be on Thursdays and Fridays making these days of the week the most crowded at the beach. Taxi transportation is a great idea on weekends, avoiding the annoyance of a lack in parking spots. If you’re staying at one of the Dubai beach resorts right on the coast, you’ve got it made. Get out early and secure your spot to enjoy a full day of sun and surf.
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