Final Paper

Running Head: BURJ-AL-ARAB 1

Burj-Al-Arab

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Burj Al Arab

Burj-Al-Arab is one of the many landmark architectural designs that showcase the

prowess of Arab architectural styles. It is located in the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai on a

private island 280 meters offshore (Shaktwat et al, n.d). Burj-Al-Arab is also called Arab Sail.

The chief architect in the design and the building of the structure was Tom Wright of Atkins.

During the construction, the chief contractor was WS Atkins Partners Overseas (Shaktwat et al.,

n.d). The construction contractor was Murray and Roberts. The construction of Burj-Al-Arab

began in 1993 and was completed in 1999. It has sixty floors covering an area of about 115 500-

meter square or 1.2 million square feet.

During the design of the building, Tom Wright resided in Dubai to ensure that all the

deliverables were achieved within the set time. He was an employee of the Atkins, one of the

global design consultancies, an aspect that pinpoints the relevance accorded to the Burj-Al-Arab

(Shaktwat et al., n.d). Wright was born in Britain Croydon, in London and received his education

at the Royal Institute of British architects (Shaktwat et al., n.d).

The building that he designed was 321 meters long and is currently the third tallest

building in the world. It was constructed using sand which was unique given most tall buildings

are founded on the rock. It is supported by 250; 1.5M diameter columns that go forty-five meters

below the sea, and its existence rely on friction since the foundation was made on sand

(Shaktwat et al., n.d). Located on a private island; it is linked to the mainland by a curving

bridge. The building's primary purpose is to reflect Dubai's urbanization. Further, its shape is

boat-like or V-shaped which mimics the boat sailing activities in Dubai (Morelock, n.d). Dubai is

synonymous with boat sailing activities which is one of the main tourist attraction activities.

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The motive for construction was not only architectural but was also intended to serve as

an epitome of tourist attraction. Besides, it conveyed the pride the Dubai people had in their city

(Seo, 2016). At its construction, the Crown Prince of Dubai insisted that the designers not only

construct a magnificent building but one that would make Dubai distinct from other places, and

that manifests the great national pride the building symbolizes (Shaktwat et al., n.d). The

building was to be symbolic of Dubai so that foreigners would identify Dubai with the building

(Burj-Al-Arab, 2018). Through the years, the Burj-Al-Arab building has served that purpose.

Upon viewing the building, one can easily connect it with Dubai city and construct an image of

how the city looks like.

The building is designed in a manner that reduces heat gain in the summer seasons. Dubai

city, like other European countries, experiences summer and winter seasons (Monks, 2019). With

the southern elevation having the largest exposed area, it absorbs the most heat (Shaktwat et al.,

n.d). One of the most intriguing aspects of the building is that people can access the hotel from

the top using helicopters (Polly, 2009). The building is also equipped with special doors that

prevent the stack effects which refer to the falling and rising of cold and hot air in tall buildings.

The relevance of the building to the UAE and Dubai city can be explained through

functionalism theory. Functionalism theory interrogates how social institutions and structures

contribute to the stability of institutions. Therefore, through functionalism theory, one can study

how the Burj-Al-Arab contributes to the stability of Dubai city and the social existence of the

people of Dubai.

Overall, the Dubai building is one of the most iconic structures in human history not only

in Dubai but globally. Its unrivalled design features manifest the uniqueness of the building. It

serves as a nationalistic structure that reminds the Dubai residents about the uniqueness of their

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city. It was also intended to create an image of the city and further show the transformation that

was taking place in Dubai. The building, with its great design skills, is exceptional.

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References

Burj Al Arab Double Crowned Best Hotel In The World And Best Hotel In The Middle East At

The Ultra travel Awards. (2018). Hospitality

Net. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4090919.html

Monks, K. (2019, July 1). 'World's most famous' helipad on Burj al Arab turns

20. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/burj-al-arab-intl/index.html

Morelock, J. (n.d.). The architecture of the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai. Travel Tips - USA

Today. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/architecture-burj-al-arab-hotel-dubai-60210.html

Polly, D. W. (2009). Sunset in Dubai Overlooking the Burj al Arab. Spine, 34(18), i.

https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000359400.14699.48

Seo, J. (2016). Is Burj Al Arab in Dubai the Most Luxurious Hotel in the

World? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/juyoungseo/2016/04/23/is-burj-al-arab-in-

dubai-the-most-luxurious-hotel-in-the-world/?sh=27e8d8e737e4

Shaktawat, C., Joshi, D., Gandhi, S. and Chatterjee, P. (n.d), Case Study- BURJ-AL-ARAB,

Dubai