Apple’s new store has 'solar wings' to provide cooling
Tech giant Apple’s new store in Dubai is architecturally stunning. Situated in Dubai Mall, the store adopts the traditional ‘Apple’ design, but has some unique features which has created a benchmark in construction and design.
Constructed by Foster + Partners, the architecture company designed the building based on traditional Arabic Mashrabiya, where 18 37.5 foot ‘Solar Wings’ shade the 186 foot outside terrace during daylight hours, embedding a motorised system which supports the cooling of the building against rising temperatures and strong winds in the region.
Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners said in a press release, “With their movement path inspired by a falcon spreading its wings, the ‘Solar Wings’ are in itself a theatrical experience – an integrated vision of kinetic art and engineering. Made entirely of lightweight carbon fibre, each wing has multiple layers of tubes forming a dense net.”
In the evenings, the wings are opened to enable visitors to visit the outdoor terrace and watch the attractions held at the Dubai Fountains. Additionally, situated close to the Burj Khalifa, the building’s frontage enables stunning views of other builds which create significant tourist revenue. The terrace is also home to nine rotating planters, creating a building which is modern and architecturally stunning.
Behling added, “Access to the store is through full height, glazed pivoting doors on both levels, directly from Dubai Mall. The Avenue, a specially designed area for accessories display, on the lower level along with Apple’s signature display tables sits in the midst of a grove of trees, creating a calm environment to experience Apple’s latest products.”
Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail said, “we view our stores as a modern-day town square, where visitors come to shop, be inspired, learn or connect with others in their community. What better place to come together than overlooking Dubai’s epicenter, where the Dubai fountain, Burj Khalifa and Dubai mall meet.”
With over 80 million visitors to the Dubai Mall each year, the building is sure to be a hit!
