DUBAI | Al Hekma Tower | 282 M / 925 FT | 64 FLOORS

WonderlandPark · #1 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 3:46 AM**

Yep, Dubai never ceases to amaze. In this case the largest portrait in the region, on top of a 61 story tower.

Dubai: Abu Dhabi-based developer Pearl Properties will develop a 61-storey tower to honour the memory of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, a statement said.

Al Hekma Tower, which means The Wisdom Tower, will be sited near the first Interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road, and will display an image of the late ruler which will crown the top of the building at a height of 50 metres.

When completed in 2008, this will be the largest portrait of a single individual to be seen on any tower in the Middle East.

NYC2ATX · #2 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 4:21 AM**

^^^ Hmm, is that even a record? It might just be the largest-potrait-of-a-single-individual-to-be-seen-on-any-tower in the WORLD.

Lecom · #3 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 4:41 AM**

What an effective way to ruin an otherwise great tower.

malec · #4 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 10:02 AM**

This is the same tower that I posted on the burj dubai thread.

AltinD · #5 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 3:37 PM**

I don't like the idea of a portrait on top of a building, but it has to be considered:

1. Sheik Zayed is for UAE what George Washington is for USA
2. The building is located on Sheik Zayed Road
3. Developer is one of the sons of Sheik Zayed himself

AltinD · #6 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 5:14 PM**

Full render:

BTW this tower is already under construction:

And YES, that thing on the background is Burj Dubai.

kalmia · #7 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 5:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by WonderlandPark

... a 61-storey tower

... a height of 50 metres.

...

umm?

Dac150 · #8 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 5:45 PM**

yawn.................Dubai should just build a giant ass. Al these stupid titles they are claiming to be noticed is just pathetic.

colemonkee · #9 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 6:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by AltinD

I don't like the idea of a portrait on top of a building, but it has to be considered:

1. Sheik Zayed is for UAE what George Washington is for USA
2. The building is located on Sheik Zayed Road
3. Developer is one of the sons of Sheik Zayed himself

I agree, there are much more tasteful and personal ways to honor a former leader than a portrait on the crown of a building. A public plaza next to the building with a statue would be much more appropriate.

The comparison to Washington is a good one, but we don't have Washington's image on any buildings. There is a Washington monument, and a statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial that are great ways to pay tributes to leaders. Putting the portrait on currency is another internationally recognized way to honor a former leader.

Aside from the portrait, which I personally find tacky, the design of the tower is great.

oldpainless · #10 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 10:30 PM**

WonderlandPark · #11 Posted **Jan 24, 2007, 11:31 PM**

lol, sort of my first impression.

or else this:

Nowhereman1280 · #12 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 1:43 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by WonderlandPark

lol, sort of my first impression.

or else this:

Haha, oh Dubai!

every time you drive your car, turn on a lightswitch, or use energy in any other way, a tower somewhere in Dubai grows a little taller...

(though not the lightswitch if you live in Chicago since our electricity is nearly all nuclear power, hell yeah)

spyguy · #13 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 2:39 AM**

Wouldn't it suck to have a bedroom window facing this portrait?

kalmia · #14 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 3:44 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nowhereman1280

Haha, oh Dubai!

every time you drive your car, turn on a lightswitch, or use energy in any other way, a tower somewhere in Dubai grows a little taller...

(though not the lightswitch if you live in Chicago since our electricity is nearly all nuclear power, hell yeah)

actually, I think it is coal in this area

Alliance · #15 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 4:00 AM**

The only record that Dubai should have is the record for the most pointless records.

I agree witht he plaza. Much more appropriate. The portriat is just cheezy, immature. It screams "Welcome to Disneyworld" and not "respected figure."

Lost Island · #16 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 5:34 AM**

They should just go all the way then. Make it a 3D portrait and the nose could be another sundail.

AltinD · #17 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 1:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemonkee

I agree, there are much more tasteful and personal ways to honor a former leader than a portrait on the crown of a building. A public plaza next to the building with a statue would be much more appropriate.

The comparison to Washington is a good one, but we don't have Washington's image on any buildings. There is a Washington monument, and a statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial that are great ways to pay tributes to leaders. Putting the portrait on currency is another internationally recognized way to honor a former leader.

Aside from the portrait, which I personally find tacky, the design of the tower is great.

Since all other responces are idiotic and moronic beyond believe, your post is the only one trying to make a point or engage a discussion.

In Islam is forbiten worshiping of a human figure, that's why you don't see any sculpture or memorial and neither mosques, or even stamps or currencies have any human portrait depicted on them.

These are their beleefs so who are we to judge?

Alliance · #18 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 2:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by AltinD

Since all other responces are idiotic and moronic beyond believe, your post is the only one trying to make a point or engage a discussion.

In Islam is forbiten worshiping of a human figure, that's why you don't see any sculpture or memorial and neither mosques, or even stamps or currencies have any human portrait depicted on them.

These are their beleefs so who are we to judge?

So why does that only leave us with a portrait? Why not something akin to the Washington Monument, a non-statue representation of the man in a nice park or plaza where its more readily enjoyed?

Many other religions around the world are forbidden from worshipping other men. I was unaware that making a statue constituted worship. Besides, if its too much to put him on a bill, why is it not too much to put him on a tower.

The way he is incorporated into the building, with the white on white, seems totally disrespectful to me, making then man's head part of the building. He becomes idolized in the building. It seems to me if he was that important, he'd get his own space. The building isn't even that big.

It seems like just a lame family attempt to increase their personal recognition. I find it distasteful...as I said...Disneyland. If thats what Dubai is going for, then so be it.

NYguy · #19 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 2:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by AltinD

Full render:

Just when I thought they couldn't turn that town into more of a joke...

Quote:

And YES, that thing on the background is Burj Dubai.

It may as well be on the moon, or in a parking lot.

mightygoose · #20 Posted **Jan 25, 2007, 4:38 PM**

you gotta point there the burj has its own no fly zone skyscraper wise, unless its part of the project, too close and everyone will ignore it. i feel this one is too close...