London architects Weston Williamson+Partners win Dubai 2020 rail link
Dubai World Expo 2020 is one of the most important private sector events in the recent history of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai as the host, aims to make this opportunity a symbol of pride for the country and the region.
It is in this context that his Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-presidentand prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai,recently announced the winners of the prestigious ’Route 2020’ Rail link competition.
Weston Williamson, the London-based practice, along with global engineer CH2M won first place among severalcompetingA-listersfor their outstanding design of the 15km, £2.2 billion metro Expolink.
Working within the winning consortium for the Dubai Metro 2020 project, Weston Williamson + Partners carried out the full set of architectural design work throughout the bid process, and in close collaboration with the CH2M team. Together, the two teams evaluated alternative design proposals, many of which were incorporated into the final chosen design.
Working closely with an international consortium, featuring Alstom, Acciona and Gulermack, the architectural designswere chosen ahead of ten rival bids for the high-profile project connectingNakheel Harbour & Tower with the world’s fair site. Planned to complete in 2020, the extension to Dubai’s Red Line includes an 11.8 km viaduct and 3.2 km of underground track.Alstom will supply 50 trains for the project while Acciona and Gulermack will focus on civil works.
Of their spectacular winning design, Chris Williamson, Partner at WW+P said, “This is a remarkable win building on our relationship with CH2M, one forged over 15 years. Dubai is a superbly dynamic city; it is a great chance to be a part of its expansion, particularly to contribute to the vast public transport opportunities by creating a proud legacy for the people”.
The route serving The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Investment Park will feature seven new stations. An interchange station with the Red Line and a dramatic wing-shapedterminus at theexpo site (see attached visuals) form part of WW+P’s conceptions.
Located a short distance from Al Maktoum Airport, the Dubai 2020 Expo site is expected to host more than 25 million visitors and feature pavilions representing 180 countries.
