Rem Koolhaas on the High-Rise Phenomenon and Emirates' Potential of Re-Inventing Urbanization

Subscriber Access

Rem Koolhaas, co-founder of Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), receiver of the Pritzker Prize Award in 2000, and leading urban theorist, was one of the first to question the high-rise phenomenon and its influence on city transformation. Particularly intrigued by the Gulf region and the urban ambitions of this area, in 2009, during the 9th edition of the Sharjah Biennial, he delivered a lecture on the potential of re-inventing urbanization in the Emirates.

On the occasion of the golden jubilee of UAE, marking 50 years since the Emirates were founded in 1971, 50U, published by Archis explores the different developments in the Gulf, this region that “witnessed the transformation of a partly nomadic, partly town-based community into a globally active metropolitan society”. After Al Manakh, in 2007, followed in 2010 by Al Manakh Cont’d, 50U tells the story of the UAE through 50 portraits of people, plants, and places. The book also shares an excerpt of Koolhaas’ 2009 talk that reflects on contemporary conditions, focusing specifically on his reading of Dubai, his architectural involvement as well as his future urban predictions.

The following is an abridged version of Rem Koolhaas' lecture, delivered on March 17, 2009, where he discussed the high-rise phenomenon and UAE's potential of re-inventing urbanization.

Content Loader

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Christele Harrouk. "Rem Koolhaas on the High-Rise Phenomenon and Emirates' Potential of Re-Inventing Urbanization" 03 Sep 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/981753/rem-koolhaas-on-the-high-rise-phenomenon-and-emirates-potential-of-re-inventing-urbanization> ISSN 0719-8884

© Dubai Renaissance, OMA, 2006

雷姆·库哈斯十二年前迪拜宣言,如今怎么样了

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.