Foster+Partners has created one of the world's largest kinetic installation for Apple Dubai Mall, opened to the visitors yesterday. The new installation - located in Dubai Mall - aims to reinvent the traditional introverted idea of mall-based retail as a more outward looking experience that engages with the spectacle of urban life.

Foster+Partners' design gives a highly innovative response to the culture and climate of the Emirates, while also demonstrating Apple’s pioneering ambition to create inspirational civic spaces for all, as stated in the firm's press release. 

The kinetic installation consists of 18 wings in total and made of Carbon fibre as it resisting oxidation - it is extremely lightweight – each wing is 37.5ft (11m) tall, 10ft (3m) wide, and weighs just 1 ton (1,200kg). Each wing is made of 340 carbon fibre rods, whose geometry was carefully designed so that none of them actually intersect.

Dubai Mall is one of the most visited urban centres in the world, attracting over 80 million visitors every year since  2014 – the new Apple Dubai Mall occupies the most pivotal position in the city, alongside the iconic Burj Khalifa and overlooking the famous Dubai Fountains. 

Spanning over two floors, it embraces the theatre of the fountains with a sweeping 186-foot (56.6 metre) wide and 18-foot (5.5 metre) deep terrace – a first for any Apple Store – with unparalleled views of the spectacular setting and the incredible choreographed display.

The design of Apple Dubai Mall is a celebration of the sun, using the abundant daylight to create a special ambience within. Foster+Partners reinterpreted the traditional Arabic Mashrabiya in an innovative approach and designed dynamic 'Solar Wings', gently shading the outside terrace during the day and open majestically during the evening to reveal the 'best seat in the house' with a breath-taking view of the waterside promenade and fountains. 

"With their movement path inspired by a falcon spreading its wings, the 'Solar Wings' are in itself a theatrical experience – an integrated vision of kinetic art and engineering. The wings have been carefully crafted to inspire delight, a delicate combination of form and function," said Foster+Partners.

"The design of Apple Dubai Mall is about creating an exceptional architectural and social experience for visitors, bringing to the fore new ideas about the evolving role of Apple Flagships in the community. I am sure Apple Dubai Mall will become a true people’s place," said Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.

Foster+Partners used a material made entirely of lightweight carbon fibre, each wing has multiple layers of tubes forming a dense net. Following an in-depth study of sun angles, the rods have been distributed in higher concentration where the solar radiation is the most intense over the year. 

The architects applied a unique pattern allowing clear views out for people standing on both levels of the store, and the sunlight streaming through the wings casts dappled shadows deep into the interior.

"The opening and closing of these majestic Solar Wings is analogous to a delicate ballet recital – but on a monumental scale. In some ways it is a very spiritual experience, with the sun streaming through them and creating the most delicate and beautiful patterns of light and shade – a seamless blend of technology and culture," Behling added.

The new shaded terrace features nine substantial trees within large planters incorporating seating for visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the view. The planters will rotate mechanically to ensure that the trees receive even sunlight. 

The terrace will offer the communities of Dubai a new vantage point – furthering Apple’s commitment to the communities they are part of.

All images courtesy of Foster+Partners

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