In the heart of Deira, on the site of first Dubai hospital, Al Maktoum Hospital, a complex redevelopment has taken place. Wasl District, a tribute to heritage Arabic architecture and Emirati lifestyle, consists of several buildings with a traditional Souq as a center element incorporating Maktoum Hospital Museum dedicated to the history of medicine in the UAE. Set to become a new popular point of attraction in the Old Dubai, the development offers different types of use –four-star hotel, furnished apartments, retail and residential units.
Wasl District Phase II design was developed by Kling Consult with assistance of several specialist sub-consultants including MEP, interior design, landscaping, acoustic, kitchen design, etc. The project concept revolves around the Souq as an active outdoor space for the three surrounding buildings. Historical identity of Dubai is carefully maintained, which is achieved through the use of smaller openings, selection of the specific finishes as well as use of Arabic design elements like pergolas, decorative features, mashrabiya and recesses in the façades.
The challenge to build multi-story - up to 15 floors high - buildings of traditional Arabic type was overcome by fragmenting the project mass and decreasing the height gradually toward the low level of Souq area. This reduces the visual mass of the buildings and allows for more outdoor terrace spaces shaded with traditional pergola structures.
A unique feature of the project is DEWA substation located within the plot and which will be used for the powering of the whole development, as well as the neighbouring area. It was designed by DEWA in close cooperation with Kling experts who designed high-voltage cable routing.
