STUDY OF DUBAI CREEK IN VIEW OF THE INSCRIPTION ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST FOR THE UNESCO, FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE DEPARTMENT OF DUBAI MUNICIPALITY, 2012
Consultant to provide technical assistance for the preparation of the Nomination File in view of the inscription of Dubai Creek on the World Heritage List for the UNESCO, for the Architectural Heritage Department of Dubai Municipality.
The output of the consultancy was a series of research papers detailing three distinct aspects relating to the history and heritage of Dubai and of Dubai Creek: Life along the Creek, Boats and boat owners and seafarers, A comparative review of the Gulf cities and their commercial role from the late 19th century to the present.
While Dariush Zandi has been consulting for major development projects, his heart lies with ones that involve and focus on preservation and working with nature, environment, history and traditional issues. The Courtyard building in Dubai, where he is based at, is one such example, and is the home to the two entities he has founded, Total Arts and Total Design.
COURTYARD CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTER, DUBAI, 1996-1998
Design and project manager and developer, for the construction of a 70,000 sqft commercial complex. This landmark's design contrasts distinctive exterior features with the warm, artistic feel of the offices, retail spaces, artist workshops, and studios. The center has been instrumental in transforming the Al Quoz neighborhood into an artistic and cultural hub.
The Courtyard's concept was to create a viable multidisciplinary community center, which could house a variety of functions, exhibitions and cultural activities in a city with many different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. It was created to be a place for people to meet, interact and learn about each other while engaging in art and culture. The efforts to make the Courtyard green and colorful were enjoyed and appreciated by all involved.
MIRDIF RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX, DUBAI, 1996-1997
Designer and contractor for a set of private villas, incorporating the layout of indigenous architecture, at the edge of the desert. The project was completed with the assistance of architects Mr. Farrokh Frank Sabouri and Mr. Jamali. The concept was to create a house which revolved around a courtyard. When drawing the plan, note was taken of the direction of sunrise and sunset in relation to the house, to optimize the use of natural light. Traditional elements were also used with a great deal of care. Balconies and roof gardens are very practical and people can stand on the balcony or in the veranda and face the open desert, people can also climb onto the roof garden to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the vast stretches of sand. In the garden, a gazebo creates a nice nook for residents to sit during the warm and cool months. The colors are vividly contrasting, especially those on the doors. The buildings must be colorful to balance the landscape.
FARM HOUSE
Designed a private house with a farm, incorporating the surrounding nature, in a mountain village. Effort was made to make the designing process very simple and straightforward by approaching the route of being indigenous, climatically suitable, environmentally and geographically sustainable. Respect was given to building with the environment, which means understanding about the climate, the orientation of the land and the natural elements.
DUBAI PROMENADE, FOR NAKHEEL, DUBAI, 2005-2006
Architect and urban designer with Gruzen Samton of New York City, for six residential towers around a Central Park, North/Marina Towers 1.3 million SF, South/Beach Towers 1.6 million SF. Six residential towers arrayed around a Central Park, integrating with the ceremonial access to the proposed hotel complex at the tip of the peninsula. North Towers, otherwise known as Marina Towers have their distinct character, responding to the marina promenade. South Towers, otherwise known as Beach Towers are composed of slender, narrow profile maximizing views and ventilation.
PALM JUMEIRAH FRONDS VILLAS, FOR NAKHEEL, DUBAI, 2007-2008
Designer for clusters of four luxury signature villas for several of Palm Jumeirah fronds using the traditional Arabic architectural style, with gardens and swimming pools.
VILLA IN JEBEL ALI, DUBAI, 2018
Designed a 3 bedroom private villa with a total built up floor area of 7,700 sqft in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai with the assistance of K.Enayati. There are swimming pool facilities and a two car garage and other related amenities. The villa is under construction.
VILLA IN KHAWANEEJ, DUBAI, 2018
Designed a set of three 4 bedroom private villas in the Khawaneej area of Dubai with the assistance of K.Enayati. This is a set of three villas for one family. There is a three villa future extension for the same family. Each villa has a swimming pool and related amenities.
VILLA IN JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, 2018
Designed a three story, 4 bedroom private villa in the Jumeirah area of Dubai with the assistance of K.Enayati. The villa was completely remodeled. It was designed for two families with a total area of 9,000 sqft. There is an indoor gym and a roof garden on the third floor.
MOSQUE, DUBAI, 2018
Redesigned a mosque and its related facilities in Dubai with the assistance of K.Enayati, based on the existing briefs and designs presented by the client.
AL KHAZZAN WATER TOWER AND PARK, FOR DUBAI MUNICIPALITY, DUBAI, 1983
Designed the 40 meter high Al Khazzan water tower and the original park as the senior architect and town planner for Dubai Municipality. The tower was once one of the tallest structures in Dubai. The original park was one of the few communal parks in Dubai at the time. A green haven for social interaction and relaxation, the park added life and vibrancy to the urban environment of Satwa. The water tower was commissioned out of necessity, as the area required an elevated water tank for pressure and supply. The structure's form and details derive inspiration from traditional Islamic motifs. Being a public space, it provides residents with a strong sense of community and nurtures their feeling of belonging, benefiting in the city's evolution. This is also reflected on tourists as well. Therefore, public spaces are an identity for culture, and the country's image. In 2015, the park was renovated by Emirati brothers, urbanists Ahmad and Rashid bin Shabib.
LIMITLESS OFFICE EXTENSIONS, DUBAI, 2006-2009
Designed the office extensions of Limitless, a subsidiary of Dubai Holdings.
OFFICE BUILDING, 2000
Project Manager. Co-managed the design of 38 and 45 story towers for an architectural competition, with a low common podium. The design responded to the opportunities and challenges of this prominent site, utilizing the maximum site coverage and building height to ensure economic viability and create a strong visual presence. The proposal was made in association with Hazel Wong, Atkins in Dubai and Baft-e-Shahr.
PROPOSED CAR MUSEUM
Designed a proposed car museum with the assistance of K.Enayati.
TAGA RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, RIYADH, KSA, 1978
Designed the Taga Residential and Commercial Complex with Jafar Tukan Partners Architects, Amman, Jordan.
PETRA DEVELOPMENT, FOR JAFAR TUKAN AND PARTNERS, JORDAN, 1977-1978
Design and development of working drawings for the archaeological center and other cultural and tourist facilities at the entrance of the ancient site of Petra. The project was completed in a joint venture with The Architects Collaborative. Petra is a famous archaeological site in Jordan. Dating to around 300 B.C., it contains tombs and temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Perhaps its most famous structure is 45m high Al Khazneh, a temple, also known as The Treasury.
JERASH DEVELOPMENT, FOR JAFAR TUKAN AND PARTNERS, JORDAN, 1977-1978
Design and development of working drawings for the Greco-Roman site and ancient city of Jerash, which included a tourist center and restaurant. The project was completed in a joint venture with The Architects Collaborative. Jerash is north of the capital Amman and includes the 2nd-century Hadrian’s Arch, the Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis and the huge Forum’s oval colonnade.
YARMOUK UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, JAFAR TUKAN AND PARTNERS IN JOINT VENTURE WITH KENZO TANGE OF TANGE ASSOCIATES AND URTEC, JORDAN, 1978
Coordination of the design of the university for the stakeholders of this projects: The architects and Yarmouk University.
SHOPPING CENTER, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1977
Designed a shopping center on 2nd Ave between 58th St and 59th St in Manhattan, New York. This building included individual retail spaces, on the 1st and 2nd floors, where different sizes of retail space could be accommodated. There was also an indoor and outdoor food hall. There were three theaters in the basement level. The shopping center featured an early use of modular glass facades, skylights and curtain walls.
SALVATION ARMY CENTER, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1976
Designed a center for the Salvation Army on 8th Ave between 123rd and 124th St, in the Harlem district of Manhattan, New York. The building contained many different amenities, including a community and health center; auditorium; assembly, dining and music halls; kitchen; neighborhood library; vocation school; rooms for youth and senior citizens; swimming pool and an outdoor children’s play area. There is also a wheelchair ramp at the entrance. The building was looking over a courtyard that contained the outdoor children’s play area.
APARTMENT BUILDING, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1976
Two-block housing project in Manhattan, New York, situated between 122nd and 124th Street and 7th and 8th Avenue. The housing project consists of hi-rise apartment buildings from 5 stories to 20 stories, and low-rise townhouses that are 4 stories. Some of the units in the hi-rise apartment buildings are duplexes. The housing project also has various facilities: community center, community facilities, retail establishments, and a supermarket.
FLUSHING MEADOWS PLAYHOUSE & ART CENTER, QUEENS, NEW YORK, 1975
Designed this music and art center in Queens, New York, which included a dance studio and an experimental theater. The center also featured acting classes, as well as painting, sculpture and pottery workshops.
RURAL AND URBAN HOUSING, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, 1973
Designed several rural and urban housing units in Philadelphia.
GREENWICH VILLAGE HOUSING, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1974
Designed housing in Manhattan, New York, on West 11th St, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.
PUBLIC LIBRARY, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1973
Designed this public library in Manhattan, New York, on the corner of 91st St and 2nd Ave.
OFFICE BUILDING, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1973
Designed this office building along 125th St in the Harlem district of Manhattan, New York.
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 1973
Designed an architecture school in Manhattan, New York, on Broadway, between 133rd St and 134th St.
