The Opus Dubai: A Majestic Combination of The Cube and The Art of Void
On one level, designing a structure that utilizes techniques of forms is one way to create a breathtaking fluid structure. “Fluidity could resemble flexible spaces, continuously and organically moving forward without barriers. Further, neo-futurism explains fluid structures better than any other architectural style. They also do not follow any solid pattern of similar elements. Therefore, it stands out as an idea in physical form.” Indeed, the late Dame Zaha Hadid popularized this fluid design. A visionary architect and the first woman to receive the Pritzker prize in 2004 left a legacy. Seen in one of her projects, the Opus Dubai by Omniyat Properties are her authentic spirit and flatulent style. Certainly, this visually stunning cubed-like structure that erodes a free-form void challenges the traditional definition of a building.
The Cube and The Art of Void
Constructed of two separate towers but looks unified is this fluid, spatial opus building. It brings a volumetric design with a distinctive free-form void at the heart of a cube-liked structure. The facade used bent frames fully clad with curved tinted glass providing a degree of reflectivity and materiality to the cube. Moreover, the curved tinted glass creates pixelated striations and assists the reduction of solar gains inside the building. This also allows eye-catching views to the void. It captures the day and illuminates at night, bringing a distinct character to the building.
Interior Details
The Opus is the only building that Dame Zaha Hadid designed both exterior and interior. Her interior design goes beyond what we could have ever imagined. From curved glass lobby decks to curved seating pods, she is truly the “queen of the curve,” says The Guardian. Bespoke furniture is installed throughout the lobby, including the “petalinas” sofa and “ottomans,” in the lobby where materials are long lifecycle and have recyclable components. The interior spaces will house grade A offices, various leisure spaces, fine dining restaurants, and ME Dubai Hotel. Each bedroom in the hotel also incorporates the” Vitae” bathroom collection of Dame Zaha Hadid in 2015 for Noken Porcelanosa, continuing her fluid architectural language throughout the hotel’s interiors.
The Opus is located at the heart of Burj Khalifa district adjacent to Downtown Dubai and Business Bay on the Dubai Water Canal. A spanning 84,300sqm/907,400sq. ft. area where “the two halves of the building on either side of the void are linked by a four-story atrium at ground level” and connected by an asymmetric 38-meter wide, three-story bridge 71 meters above the ground. A structure designed majestically to be one of the icons in Dubai’s skyscraper and A space all combined for a luxurious and seamless experience. The Opus is truly a masterwork of design, a piece of originality, and is a centerpiece that reflects creativity.
Photo Credits: ArchDaily©, Forbes©, Arabian Business©, Stirworld©
