Architecture News

The Wasl Tower, a 302-meter mixed-use skyscraper in the heart of Dubai, stands as a testament to innovative architectural and engineering prowess. Designed by UNS in collaboration with lead engineering consultant Werner Sobek AG, this iconic structure is poised to redefine urban living and working in the vibrant city. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the tower’s strategic location near the majestic Burj Khalifa and off Sheikh Zayed Road ensures its prominence in Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline. It seamlessly integrates a diverse range of functions, including luxurious hotel accommodations, upscale residential units, modern office spaces, and vibrant public amenities, all within a singular, cohesive vertical community. This thoughtful integration aims to foster a dynamic environment where residents, professionals, and visitors can thrive, reflecting a holistic approach to contemporary urban development.

The vision behind Wasl Tower goes beyond mere height; it embodies a commitment to creating a distinctive presence that contributes significantly to Dubai's city center. The project’s comprehensive design considers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, aiming to set new benchmarks for mixed-use architecture in the region. By combining various elements of urban life, the tower offers a self-contained ecosystem that minimizes the need for extensive travel, promoting a more sustainable and integrated lifestyle. This vertical city concept is a response to the growing demand for efficient and interconnected urban environments, where convenience and community converge to enhance the quality of life.

The Visionary Design and Collaborative Excellence

The Wasl Tower, a striking 302-meter mixed-use high-rise in the bustling heart of downtown Dubai, is a collaborative masterpiece by UNS and lead engineering consultant Werner Sobek AG for Wasl Group. Set to open in 2025, this architectural marvel is strategically located off Sheikh Zayed Road, in close proximity to the iconic Burj Khalifa. Its design intricately weaves together diverse functionalities, including luxurious hotel facilities, sophisticated residential apartments, state-of-the-art office environments, and dynamic public spaces, all integrated within a singular, cohesive vertical community. This innovative approach aims to forge a distinctive and enriching presence in Dubai's vibrant urban core, redefining the cityscape with its unique blend of form and function.

The tower’s conception emphasizes a blend of aesthetic elegance and practical utility, ensuring it not only stands out visually but also serves as a highly functional urban hub. The seamless integration of hotel, residential, and commercial components within a single structure creates a self-sufficient ecosystem, reducing the need for extensive travel and promoting a more sustainable urban lifestyle. This vertical community model is a forward-thinking response to the complexities of modern city living, offering unparalleled convenience and a strong sense of place. The collaboration between UNS's architectural vision and Werner Sobek AG's engineering expertise has culminated in a design that is both innovative and structurally sound, promising a landmark addition to Dubai's architectural landscape that balances luxury with liveability and sustainability.

Integrated Urban Living and Sustainable Development

The Wasl Tower represents a paradigm shift in urban development, fostering a truly integrated vertical community where diverse aspects of city life converge. This 302-meter edifice in downtown Dubai, a brainchild of UNS and Werner Sobek AG, meticulously combines hotel amenities, residential living, and corporate offices with expansive public spaces. Its strategic placement near Dubai's major landmarks and transportation arteries positions it as a central nexus for activity and connection. This multi-faceted design philosophy ensures that inhabitants and visitors alike experience a comprehensive urban environment, minimizing the daily commute and enriching their interactions within a vibrant, interconnected setting. The tower's completion in 2025 will mark a significant milestone in Dubai's pursuit of innovative and sustainable urban solutions, creating a dynamic hub that caters to a wide spectrum of needs and aspirations.

At its core, the Wasl Tower is more than just a building; it is a meticulously planned microcosm of urban life, designed to enhance the quality of daily existence through thoughtful integration and cutting-edge design. The inclusion of public amenities alongside private and commercial spaces encourages a lively and engaged community, offering opportunities for leisure, work, and social interaction without leaving the immediate vicinity. This holistic approach to development addresses the challenges of rapid urbanization by providing a compact yet diverse environment that is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The tower's innovative structure and sustainable features underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility, aiming to contribute positively to Dubai’s urban fabric while setting a new standard for future mixed-use developments globally. This visionary project embodies the future of integrated urban living, blending luxury, convenience, and sustainability into a singular, iconic structure.

The Design Museum Gent in Belgium recently reopened its doors following an extensive renovation and expansion project. This transformation, a collaboration between London-based Carmody Groarke and Ghent's ATAMA (formerly TRANS architectuur | stedenbouw), integrates historical preservation with modern architectural interventions. The aim was to create a more accessible and engaging institution, shifting its focus from mere display to active visitor participation and interaction with design concepts.

The journey to the museum's renewed identity began in November 2019, when Carmody Groarke and TRANS architectuur | stedenbouw won an international competition to design the extension. The museum, Belgium's largest design institution, occupies a significant site within Ghent's UNESCO World Heritage city center. Its original structure comprised an eighteenth-century mansion, Hotel de Coninck, and the sixteenth-century Leten House, alongside a 1992 wing. The recent four-year undertaking, which concluded with its reopening on October 3, 2026, involved both a new wing by Carmody Groarke and ATAMA, and restoration efforts by RE-ST architectenvennootschap.

A pivotal aspect of the redesign was a citizen-led initiative called DE40, formed in 2025. This panel of forty Ghent residents was instrumental in shaping the museum's vision, ensuring it would be relevant and accessible to diverse audiences, irrespective of their prior knowledge of design. Their input led to the concept of the museum as a 'third space' – an open environment for community, learning, creation, and discovery, rather than a conventional exhibition-only venue. This philosophy underscores the belief that a design museum should not only exhibit design but also actively utilize, test, and embody it, serving as a publicly accessible hub for local communities.

The historic core of the museum, centered around the Hotel de Coninck, featured an inner courtyard that was underutilized. The new architectural additions strategically transform this courtyard into the museum's central point and a vibrant garden, enhancing visitor flow and orientation. The overall masterplan meticulously balances conservation with innovative construction. Historic interiors have been carefully restored, while later additions have been adapted to optimize space and climate control. A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability, with materials being reused wherever feasible.

The new wing seamlessly connects the existing buildings, creating a cohesive visitor experience structured around welcoming, open, and adaptable zones. The basement houses an art-handling area, offering visitors a glimpse into the museum's operational side. The journey continues through various dedicated spaces: the Stadskamer for reception and retail, the Forum for lectures, the Atelier for workshops, and the Vitrine for temporary exhibitions. On the fourth floor, the Loft provides an event space with panoramic views of Ghent.

Architecturally, the new wing respects its historical surroundings. Its brick dimensions mirror those of the Hotel de Coninck, and its lighter tone complements the houses along Drabstraat. The design references Ghent's traditional guild houses and merchant homes, integrating harmoniously with the urban fabric. A notable feature is the facade, constructed from Gent Waste Brick. These lime-cured bricks, made from local municipal waste without firing, significantly reduce the environmental impact. Over 82,000 such bricks were produced locally at Het Arsenaal in Ghent, a process that was publicly documented.

The revitalized Design Museum Gent stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural intervention and community-centric design. By blending rich history with contemporary vision, the museum has redefined its role, becoming a dynamic space where design is not just observed but experienced, fostering a deeper connection between the institution and its visitors. This project reinforces the museum's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to serving as an interactive cultural beacon within Ghent's historic landscape.