28.12.2024

Dubai 2040 – the master plan

Building design

Dubai 2040: Sheikh Mohammed presented the new urban master plan at the beginning of 2021. It is all about “sustainability”.

At the beginning of 2021, Sheikh Mohammed presented the new Dubai 2040 urban master plan under the banner of “sustainability”. One component of the plan is the Hatta Master Development Plan, which envisages the development of the Hatta tourism area. Read here what Dubai 2040 should look like.

The population of Dubai is expected to increase to around 5.8 million by 2040. Currently, the city in the United Arab Emirates has a population of 3.3 million people. In 2021, the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 laid the foundation for the city’s sustainable growth over the next 20 years.

The Dubai 2040 vision sets out a comprehensive path for the sustainable development of the city. This plan focuses on the use of existing land and concentrating development on existing urban areas. More space will be created for hotels and tourism activities and the area for commercial activities will be increased.

The Emirati city intends to maintain its status as an international hub for start-ups, international companies and strategic investments. The Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 will also expand educational and healthcare facilities as well as public beaches. The plan focuses on easily accessible, integrated service centers and increasing population density near major public transport stations. They are intended to improve the quality of life.

The enclave of Hatta also plays an important role in Dubai 2040: it will be a center for innovation and local start-ups that will eventually promote ecotourism in the mountains outside the center of Dubai.

Priorities for Dubai 2040

Dubai’s 2040 plan focuses on the following priorities:

In addition, the master plan aims to improve environmental sustainability, protect the emirate’s cultural and urban heritage and develop a more comprehensive legislation and planning model.

By 2040, the emirate aims to develop a comprehensive planning database to support decision-making and improve transparency in urban planning. The Dubai 2040 plan also aims to promote the use of public transport, walking, cycling and flexible transportation.

Development and investment for the new Dubai Urban Master Plan will take place in five major urban centers. Three of these centers already exist, while two new centers will promote growth and quality of life. The two new centers will be the site of Expo 2020 and the Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre. The existing city centers are Deira and Bur Dubai, Downtown and Business Bay, as well as Dubai Marina and JBR, a hospitality and leisure hub.

In addition, the Hatta Development Plan is an important element of the vision, highlighting efforts towards eco-tourism and sustainable investment.

The development plan for Hatta

Hatta, an enclave of Dubai in the Hajar Mountains, is part of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 and the restored Hatta Heritage Village is already a major center for ecotourism and family activities. In October 2021, the Hatta Master Development Plan was approved by Sheikh Mohammed, Ruler of Dubai.

This master plan covers the four areas of well-being, tourism, sports and activities and sustainability. It outlines the development of Hatta over the next two decades and supports the emirate’s vision for 2040.

The Hatta Development Plan aims to preserve the area’s heritage and natural environment, promote mountain tourism and sports activities, and make Hatta a year-round destination.

In addition, the Hatta Master Development Plan aims to make Hatta a local and international destination for business and investment. In particular, young entrepreneurs who own a small or medium-sized business will be supported in implementing projects that promote the sustainable economic development of Hatta.

“Best possible environment and infrastructure”

There is a new Dubai Urban Master Plan every 20 years. The current plan is particularly people-centric as it aims to provide a diverse lifestyle and investment for citizens, residents and visitors. Sheikh Mohammed said this is part of the journey started by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in the 1960s.

“Our strategic development plans are focused on creating the best possible environment and infrastructure to enhance the happiness and well-being of the community and support the fulfillment of the greatest human aspirations for both our citizens and people from around the world,” he said.

Accordingly, the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 is aligned with international best practices to create the conditions for sustainable prosperity. It aims to create a more inclusive environment that meets the needs of the city’s diverse population and enables people to fulfill their creative and innovative potential.

Urban development in Dubai until 2040: growth and renewal

This is finally the seventh master plan for the Emirate of Dubai. Between 1960 and 2020, the city’s population multiplied from 40,000 to more than three million people. As a result, people from more than 200 nations live in Dubai today.

Gurminder Singh Sagoo, Client Director at WSP, is an urban planner who has seen many master plans in the Middle East. In his opinion, Dubai’s 2040 Master Plan is easy to understand and easy to follow. The plan will serve to unlock certain areas of the city, harness the potential of areas like Hatta and leapfrog the learning curve that other, older cities in the world have gone through.

The masterplan’s focus on local talent and start-ups, as well as sustainable, people-centered growth, is a first in Dubai’s urban planning history. Since its announcement, the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 has gone through several iterations. It has already led to several new initiatives aimed at boosting economic sectors such as real estate, tourism, health and well-being.

Sources:

Neil Halligen (2022): Dubai 2040: how the Urban Master Plan will transform the lives of residents. In: thenationalnews.com
Arabian Business (2021): Revealed: how Dubai is set to look in 2040 under new master plan. In: arabianbusiness.com
Varum Godinho (2022): Sheikh Hamdan forms Supreme Committee to oversee development of Hatta. In: gulfbusiness.com’
Arabian Business (2021): Sheikh Mohammed launches Hatta Master Development Plan. In: arabianbusiness.com
Lucy Whittaker (2021): Government insight: how is Dubai’s Vision 2040 progressing? In: cityscape-intelligence.com

On the site where Expo 2020 took place in October 2021, the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 envisions a new city center. Incidentally, G+L reportedon Expo 2020 and the German pavilion.

22.12.2024

Industry news, Research

Discovery of Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”

Building design

The team of restorers at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam made a sensational discovery. With the help of computer technology, a previously hidden sketch was found on the primed canvas of Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”, the most famous painting in the collection: A sketch that provides a precise insight into the history of the work’s creation For two and a half years now, a research team of 30 restorers has been busy […].

The team of restorers at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam made a sensational discovery. With the help of computer technology, a previously hidden sketch was found on the primed canvas of Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”, the most famous painting in the collection: A sketch that provides a precise insight into the genesis of the work

For two and a half years now, a research team of 30 restorers has been meticulously examining the world-famous painting using imaging techniques and computer technology. Museum visitors can look over their shoulders as they work in a glass box. “The Night Watch” belongs to the city of Amsterdam and has been part of the Rijksmuseum collection since 1808. Frans Banninck Cocq, the mayor and captain of the Citizen’s Guard of Amsterdam, commissioned the group portrait of officers and marksmen, which was completed in 1662.

“The discovery of the sketch is a breakthrough,” emphasizes Taco Dibbits, Director of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Researchers have long suspected that Rembrandt began his complex composition with a sketch – directly on the brown primed canvas. Later, he only made minor changes. For example, he painted over the feathers originally intended for the helmet of the militiaman Claes van Cruijsbergen. Scans also revealed that Rembrandt altered the position of Rombout Kemp’s legs. Originally, a larger number of spears were also intended in the upper right part of the work.

Looking at Rembrandt with different eyes

“Each new detail gives us further insight into Rembrandt’s creative process, his original idea, his thought processes and his material and artistic choices,” said Petria Noble, head of painting conservation. She is delighted that the varnish on the painting is still in excellent condition. However, some not-so-pleasing discoveries also came to light during the examinations. For example, a series of waves that developed across the painting after it was moved during an earlier renovation in 2003.

It will now be removed from the frame for three months and straightened. The depiction of the dog is also marked by decay. The research team had attributed its discoloration to the fact that the paint was decomposing. Instead, they have now discovered that the wear and tear in this part of the painting has led to greater exposure of the newly discovered bright sketch. “All these discoveries make us look at Rembrandt’s paintings with different eyes,” added Noble. “We now know what to look for.”

Reading tip: “Operation Night Watch” is the title of an ambitious project. In July 2019, a team of restorers began researching and restoring Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”. The artwork, one of the centerpieces of the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum, is to be secured for the future. Read more here.

02.06.2020

Design

Scenes from the Cimetière Saint-Pierre in Marseille

Building design

STEIN presents a photo gallery featuring historic tombs from France’s third-largest cemetery.

Steinonline_Titel — Saint-Pierre has plenty of sculptures like these to offer. Photo: Anne Fischer

Steinonline2 — Local limestone is the primary material used for most of the tombstones. Photo: Anne Fischer

Steinonline3 — And depending on the section of the cemetery, they can be quite impressive. Photo: Anne Fischer

steinonline4 — A stone picture frame as a grave ornament. Photo: Anne Fischer

steinonline5 — In the background, a touch of modernity—in the form of large urn fields. Photo: Anne Fischer

steinoline6 — Even a hundred years ago, there were already off-the-shelf products—just on a mausoleum scale. Photo: Anne Fischer

steinonline7 — The ravages of time take their toll; the administration cannot preserve all the gravestones. Photo: Anne Fischer

steinonline9 — A mausoleum door clad in natural stone. Photo: Anne Fischer

Steinonline10 — The historic gravestones are mostly found on pine-covered hills. Photo: Anne Fischer

steinonline8 — A flagship project, certainly even at the time of its creation. Photo: Anne Fischer

The mausoleums are falling into disrepair, while the urn fields are expanding

The Cimetière Saint-Pierre is one of the newer cemeteries of its kind: it was established in 1855 and officially inaugurated eight years later. Previously, the people of Marseille buried their loved ones in smaller parish, monastery, or hospital cemeteries—or at the central Saint-Charles Cemetery. Located in the city center, the latter quickly ran out of space and was permanently closed in 1876. Saint-Pierre replaced it, covering an area of 63 hectares.

At first glance, this seems overwhelming. But visitors quickly find their bearings by following the greenery: wherever pine trees grow on small slopes, they are sure to find the historic burial sites. Dozens of renowned French entrepreneurs and artists—including painters, sculptors, and singers—are buried here. Among them is the composer Vincent Scotto. He wished for the following epitaph: “All my life I have composed; today I am decaying.” However, it never came to pass—Scotto’s wife deemed this final wish inappropriate.

Saint-Pierre stands as a striking testament to the changing funeral culture in our neighboring country as well. Extraordinary—and above all, an extraordinary number of—mausoleums, sculptures, and funerary monuments commemorate the cemetery’s heyday—even if some of them are now aging and falling into disrepair in a regrettable state. Huge urn burial grounds down the hillside serve as their modern counterpart.

In total, around 150 employees now work at the cemetery, which contains 100,000 graves. Unusual to German eyes are the cars that, while not numerous, do pass through regularly. Saint-Pierre has a road network totaling 15 kilometers. In Marseille, too, the city administration is working to find solutions for the changing face of cemeteries. Among other initiatives, it has launched grave sponsorship programs and is attempting to catalog as many of the graves as possible in an online database. There is an interactive terminal at the cemetery (and also at the 20 others scattered throughout the city). Interested visitors can use it to search for the graves of famous people—or to find that of a relative on the vast grounds.

 The editorial team will continue the series “Impressions from the Cemetery” at irregular intervals—and welcomes suggestions and requests via email to redaktion@stein-magazin.de