UNStudio to transform Expo City Dubai into new urban centre

Dutch firm UNStudio has unveiled plans for the Expo City Dubai masterplan, a mixed-use development that will serve as "a new centre for the future of Dubai".

Set to be built on the site of the Expo 2020 Dubai, the Expo City Dubai masterplan aims to to maintain the event's legacy – retaining more than 80 per cent of the buildings and infrastructure created for the Expo.

"The recently announced Expo City Dubai Masterplan provides an opportunity to introduce a new centre for the future of Dubai," the studio said.

"It also ensures that Expo City Dubai continues to be fully cohesive, while benefitting from the value of the built environment developed for hosting Expo 2020 Dubai," it added.

Forming one of five hubs to be completed as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the 3.5-square-kilometre masterplan by UNStudio will be organised into five districts – Expo Downtown, Expo Fields, Expo Hills, Expo Business and Expo Valley – that will each contain both new and existing buildings.

Designed as "a blueprint for sustainable urban living", according to the studio, the districts will vary from hosting low-density residential neighbourhoods to mixed-use areas dedicated to "healthy living".

Visuals of the development depict dynamic districts complete with low and high-rise buildings connected by plazas and green spaces, which, if complete, will host 35,000 residents, 37,000 professionals and around 50,000 visitors per year.

"Each district of the masterplan offers a mix of uses and local amenities in close proximity to all residential units and office spaces," the studio said.

"The residential communities themselves will exemplify best practice in innovative, environment-friendly design with a focus on wellbeing and happiness."

Also drawing on the expo's legacy, Danish studio SLA designed the masterplan's landscape and public realm in line with the event's three themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity.

This involved the integration of parks, plazas, and water features into the design to create a "nature-based and holistic development".

Additionally, a new urban Expo Forest designed in connection to the surrounding landscape and activities is intended to enhance local biodiversity.

The Expo 2020 Dubai was the first World Expo to be held in the region and attracted over 24 million visitors over its six-month duration.

The site also later hosted COP28 in 2023.

Also in Dubai, a 100-metre-tall structure comprised of cascading pool terraces has been unveiled for a wellness resort and a pair of residential skyscrapers are set to be linked by a penthouse swimming pool.

The renders are courtesy of Hansinok unless otherwise stated. 

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