Community Retail & Sports Center, Dubai, U.A.E.
In mid 2024 uma.studio was approached by our clients and partners, OMNI Project Development Consultancy to develop masterplan and building concept designs for the Umm Al Damman community retail & sports center in Dubai, U.A.E. The intent was create a community retail and sports centre that will serve as the social hub for the entire development of existing 200 villas and future 500 apartments expansion. Our team explored similar existing and future developments in the region and analysed the F&B and retail availability in close proximity to suggest the right mix for the project. Further analysis of terrain, traffic and climatic conditions was studied as important factors that can influence the design. The result were several carefully crafted pre-concept design options out of which the Client preferred simple, white precast design language of separate “village-like” structures connected with shaded walkways and inner courtyards, with facades slowly adding warmer dark bronze aluminium tonnes as they open towards the sport fields at the back. Fast food outlets have dual access from both inner courtyards and from service road adjacent to Al Ain highway. Future access to these outlets was ensured by reserving a right of way corridor adjacent to Al Ain Highway that will enable addition of through lane with exit and entry from the highway. Connection with Phase 2 residential developments is enabled by aligning and extending pedestrian and vehicle traffic passages and thoroughfares between the phases on a masterplan level.
Project is located on the Northern side of Dubai - Al Ain road beyond E611 highway in a desert landscape, away from hustle and bustle of Dubai City proper. At the same time, this remote location, isolates the residents of this community from convenience stores, services and facilities reducing their quality of life.
On the South, the future Etihad Rail line is in walking vicinity. Across Al Ain highway, there are several local farmsteads and on the East and South is the apartment complexes of phase 2 and phase 3 residential mid-rise buildings. It represents the next development phase of the residential villa project already built for Dubai Police staff and their families, with the intention to provide a community gathering focal point, sports and retail destination for the residents and visitors alike.
Current and future residents will enjoy a variety of offerings that can be expected in a complex of this type: fast food restaurants & cafes, supermarket, pharmacy, barber and nail salon, convenience retail shops, extensive children’s play area, gym, spa, pool and number of sports fields for tennis, padel tennis, & five-a-side football.
Client preferred simple, clean, elegant façade lines, whilst insisting on a “village” feel massing of multitudes of smaller buildings connected with shaded walkways and inner courtyards. The main material used on the envelope is the white GRC in 4 different finishes. Warmer tones were added with dark bronze aluminium details, and iroko wood as one wander through the complex towards the sport fields at the back. Client insisted for fast food outlets to have dual access from both inner courtyards and from the service road of the Dubai-Al Ain highway. Although the client was adamant to have open, non-airconditioned corridors, the project was designed in a way that allows future closing and air-conditioning without disruption to its function or aesthetics.
Uma.studio team was able to create a design that connects the vernacular Emirati concept of inner courtyards, tight urban structure village with contemporary aesthetics and requirements of 21 century living. Clean lines and usage of airy, light material tones result in elegant, unassuming design that serves as a backdrop to various retail and F&B outlets, their windows and their advertising. Landscape palette uses ubiquitous, regional plants blending with and bring the adjacent desert softscape into the project. The result is a project that fits in its surroundings in an elegant, unassuming manner, whilst future proofing for functions and changes that may occur in times ahead.
