The master planning for Dubai Expo 2020’s host venue - a 438-hectare site that includes the dedicated Dubai Expo 2020 area and a residential, hospitality and logistics zone - is progressing well, senior officials said on Wednesday.
The work is being undertaken at Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali by a consortium made up of HOK and Arup, which continue their association with the project from the successful bid phase.
The contract tenure for the master planners will run until the completion of all requirements for the mandatory Registration Phase, due to be approved by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), the governing body of the World Expo, by November 2015. a statement said.
“Expos have been home to some of the world’s most landmark structures, from the Crystal Palace in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Dubai is committed to building on this tradition and making the entire site an experiential environment,” said Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State, managing director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Preparatory Committee and director general of Dubai Expo 2020 Office.
The HOK-Arup consortium will support the Dubai Expo 2020 in the development of strategic and operational components of the Expo master plan including sustainability practices, development of building, pavilions, urban design and engineering guidelines, spatial planning, public realm and landscaping, graphics and way-finding signage.
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The group will also assist in transportation and pedestrian modelling, capacity assessment for utilities, infrastructure, security, logistics and environmental design practices as well as detailed integration of the site into the wider Dubai infrastructure.
“The master plan design and execution is driven by a clear vision for its legacy, integrating sustainable urban development with opportunities to foster economic and social development for the emirate, for the country and for our region,” said Helal Almarri, director general, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Preparatory Committee member.
Daniel Hajjar, senior vice president, HOK, added: “HOK and our consultants Arup are pleased to re-engage with this landmark project allowing us to continue on the next chapter and help in the development of a master plan that sets new precedents for hosting a global event of this type.
"Dubai Expo 2020 will ensure the site leaves behind an iconic legacy befitting of this truly generation defining event.”
At its peak, the Dubai Expo 2020 exhibition site at Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali is designed to accommodate up to 300,000 visitors, with average week-day attendance expected at 153,000.
Running October 2020 through April 2021, the Expo will launch the country’s Golden Jubilee celebration and serve as a springboard from which to inaugurate a progressive and sustainable vision for the coming decades.
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