Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Urban cool islands in Soltis Veozip for the Ain Dubai Outdoor Piazza
ABOUT
A sustainable landmark for the arts community
In the heart of Utrecht’s new Cartesius district stands Cartesius Solo, a striking residential complex designed by Zecc Architecten. Completed between 2018 and 2023, Solo provides 140 modern apartments, specifically designed for residents active in the cultural and arts sector. True to its motto “healthy and green”, sustainability is at the very core of this project, from its architectural concept to the choice of building materials.
A new outdoor space designed to blend seamlessly into the Bluewaters neighborhood while offering visitors a cool, refreshing area—that’s the concept behind Dubai’s latest project: the Ain Dubai Outdoor Piazza.
A shaded area in the heart of Bluewaters
Bluewaters Island is the latest artificial island built in Dubai, located between the two iconic palm-shaped islands that define this part of the UAE coastline. Now known for combining leisure, luxury, and architectural innovation, Bluewaters is also home to one of the world’s largest observation wheels: Ain Dubai. At the base of this iconic attraction lies a newly developed area: the Ain Dubai Outdoor Piazza—an open-air space designed as a place for relaxation and leisure, enhancing the visitor experience in the neighborhood.
What sets this space apart is the presence of urban cool islands, which offer shaded spots with stunning views of the city.
Structures designed for shade and comfort
The project’s ambition was to create a series of structures that were both aesthetically pleasing, innovative, and functional. The designers envisioned lotus-shaped parasols that had to meet several technical requirements:
- Fire resistance, essential for a high-traffic public area
- Optimal shading factor, to protect visitors from the intense summer heat
- Micro-perforated fabric, allowing air to circulate and ensuring a more pleasant temperature underneath the structure
These design choices reflect the intention to offer both visual and thermal comfort, while harmoniously integrating the architectural elements into the overall environment of Bluewaters Island.
Soltis Veozip: performance meets elegance
To meet these demands, contractor ARCO, in collaboration with installer OCMA, chose Soltis Veozip fabric by Serge Ferrari Group. This material stood out thanks to several key advantages:
An ideal openness factor, providing effective solar protection without sacrificing light or visibility
Flexibility, reliability, and visual appeal, ensuring a seamless and attractive integration
Exceptional resistance to Dubai’s extreme climate conditions
In total, 2,000 m² of Soltis Veozip membrane were used for the project. The unique feature? The canopies are also illuminated in purple, creating a captivating play of light after sunset. This element enhances the festive and unique atmosphere of the Ain Dubai Outdoor Piazza, adding to the site’s appeal.
A seamless integration
With these floral-inspired cool islands, the Ain Dubai Outdoor Piazza offers visitors a refreshing shaded retreat while immersing them in the vibrant energy of Bluewaters. Soltis Veozip not only delivers high technical performance, but also enhances the space visually—especially at night, thanks to the integrated lighting—creating a bold and memorable setting
Project Participants :
Final client: Dubai Holdings
Architect: Snohetta and WSP
Copyright: Serge Ferrari Group
Installer: ARCO/OCMA
