The first ever pop-up mall happening in Shoreditch this summer. Recycled containers, fitted out off site and placed on a temporary site at the top of Bethnal Green Road. Fun and a great way to use land set aside for redevelopment.
I wonder if this would ever happen in Dubai? It certainly gives more freedom to smaller boutique sized set-ups who can take on the lease for a year and see how things go. Or collaborations. Although I'm sure they're not cheap to rent, its a interesting and in-vogue way of setting up shop. Maybe in Al Quoz this would be great! It would certainly look great as a contrast to all of our modern Arabic architecture if it were somewhere newer, we're definitely not short of land waiting for development.
Check the site out here http://www.boxpark.co.uk/
 
 
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Forever searching for contrasts with Dubai and Dalston I stumbled across this beautiful short film about Arabic Calligraphy by Taha Al-Hiti, who lives and works as an architect in London. He explains that the forms of the letters are based on the human form. I've been learning Arabic recently and the written script has been difficult for me to grasp (but easier than the spoken word I have to admit) Now I see these letters all around me and its all starting to make a bit more sense and will be essential for my work as a designer here. I feel that perhaps the Dalston designer is starting to find her place in Dubai.
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Wanting to learn more about this inspirational artist, I went through to his website to read more. Its just a shame that the people at Du think his portfolio of Arabic calligraphy should not be viewed in the UAE... and again I'm reminded of the contrast!
 
 
Another blinding contrast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai's architectural aspirations as the Queen visits and Foster and Parteners reveal the designs for the 'Zayed National Museum'. I read a few articles criticizing the architects for designing another building with no reference or sympathy to its natural surroundings. I agree, its not very fitting, but isnt that the point?

"Foster + partners' designs for the 'zayed national museum' in abu dhabi was revealed byhis highness sheikh mohammed bin rashid al maktoum, vice-president and prime minister
of the UAE and ruler of dubai and her majesty queen elizabeth II of the united kingdom. 
conceived as a monumnet and memorial to the late sheikh zayed bin sultan al nahyan, 
the founding president of the UAE, the museum will be the centrepiece of the saadiyat
island cultural district and will showcase the history, culture and more recently the social 
and economic transformation of the emirates"
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article extract and photos taken from designboom
 
 
An article in the guardian last week showcased the new velodrome being built for the Olympics in East London. Why the need to name these beauties after objects? I've been away for a while now, but my visiting friend told me that Londoners now have not only the 'Gherkin' but the 'Cheese grater' and the 'Phillishave'

Anyway, I think the new 'Pringle' velodrom is awesome and a brilliant new addition to the Olympic buildings. Apparently inspired by the tautness and energy of cycle racing, I can't wait to see it for real.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/nov/14/2012-london-olympics-construction
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