Port Rashid, in the Gulf City of Dubai, is being replaced by a larger and more efficient seaport five kilometers to the West. This move will leave a great waterfront redevelopment opportunity at Port Rashid. This master plan has been commissioned to re-design this sprawling area as a new residential, commercial and goverment center. The water-oriented design takes its inspiration from Venice by incorporating a hierarchy of canals and streets. The integration of water and shaded areas work to create a pleasnt pedestrian environment in the harsh desert climate.


Colab Masterplan with Perigrine Point at center.

Within the Port Rashid Masterplan, are the Grand Arabian Canals of Peregrine Point. The composition focuses on views to the water, produced by breaking apart an otherwise continuous southern arc. The composition takes it cues from the surrounding Arabian architecture which responds to the extreme climate by designing small and efficient apertures and overhangs which deflect the sun’s strong rays. The area shall provide housing for 20,000+ people plus all accessory retail, business and entertainment uses.





PROJECT: perigrine point, grand arabian canals, port rashid masterplan
CLIENT: undisclosed
LOCATION: dubai, united arab emites
BUDGET: $tbd
SIZE: 30+/- acres; 20,000+ housing units + commercial / office [perigrine point only]
MASTERPLAN: COLAB architecture + urban design llc
PORT RASHID LEADER: JEFFREY D. LAMB
TEAM: lamb design studios inc.:
fredrick h. zal, sally spencer
DATE: 2001