UK consultancy Atkins has won a design competition for new marine transport stations along the recently created Dubai Canal for the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA).
The stations will provide transport links for commuters and tourists travelling along the 3-km-long canal from Business Bay to Jumeirah. Atkins said estimated 13 million passengers use marine transit each year.
Atkins’ winning concept was derived from region’s fishing and pearling heritage. A large translucent canopy over each station symbolises a fishing net being cast into the water, and provides shading to the pontoon and station building beneath.
Photovoltaic panels in the canopy will generate power to light the stations at night, causing them to glow. The stations are designed to provide views over the canal and the city beyond.
Atkins, which is set to be acquired by the Canadian engineer and contractor SNC-Lavalin, said it would consider 3D printing some of the station’s modules out of respect for the emirate’s ambition to print 25% of buildings by 2030.
"The sustainable design aims to generate its own power and hence reduce operational cost and reflect RTA’s commitment to the environment," said Adrian Lindon, Atkins Fellow and director of architecture.
Construction of the marine stations is planned to start in 2019.
Atkins is celebrating 50 years in the Middle East region this year. It was the lead designer for the Dubai Metro.
Image: A translucent canopy over each station symbolises a fishing net being cast into the water (Atkins)
