Dubai Route 2020: What should the public expect from this mega project?

In preparation for Expo 2020, much of the infrastructure in construction has been designed to exhibit the futuristic appeal of host city Dubai. Of the many mega projects underway, both the Al Wasl Plaza and the C38 District are highly anticipated and will become the central gathering place for expo-related events.

Image source: Constructionweekonline.com

Another major undertaking is the Dubai Route 2020, which extends Dubai's Metro Red Line to the Expo 2020 center ensuring a trouble free commute for all guests and attendees. For frequent travelers like Lisa Dudzik, these and other construction projects will make transportation in the city more efficient even after the six-month fair.

The expansion project started construction in 2016 and will be completed toward the end of 2019. According to the Dubai Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA), the 15km route extension of the line from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station will serve more than 200,000 passengers from commercial and residential areas. It will have stations in key areas such as Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park, and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Image source: Khaleejtimes.com

To commemorate Expo 2020, the station leading to the exhibition area will serve as the largest station and a landmark for passengers. For this project, 50 trains will be added to the transport system. Fifteen trains will be used for Route 2020 and the other 35 for the green and red lines. With all these plans, the authorities aim to provide an efficient means to travel around the city for locals, expats, and tourists.

The contract for this mega project was awarded to Expolink Consortium, headed by French firm Alstom, along with Spanish firm ACCIONA, and Turkish firm Gulermak for approximately $2.6 billion.

Contracts and claims manager Lisa Dudzik has overseen the commercial contracts for many large-scale construction projects such as high-capacity subways and stations, roads, and highways.

Lisa Dudzik is a contracts and claims manager from Western Australia. She has been in the construction industry for more than two decades and has worked as an expat in different countries. Lisa is also an avid traveler to Middle Eastern destinations such as the UAE. Visit this page for more on travel and construction updates.

Mimicking Life: The Most Astonishing Architectural Structures Inspired By Nature

Human beings have been variously inspired by nature in their endeavors. They have produced wonderful objects and upheld ideas nurtured by their understanding of the surroundings. Their fascination for natural formations come from observing the world unfold its most glorious secrets.

Image source: maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com

One can easily witness the surprising perfection of nature’s structures as they correspond closely to precise sequences, as in the unfurling ferns, tree branching, pine cone arrangements, and other biological settings where the Fibonacci numbers, for example, are most apparent. Here are some of the most ingenious architectural creations in the world that celebrates and extends nature’s wonders:

Kunsthaus Graz, Austria

This art museum is a stunning combination of organicistic influences from nature and the highly digital development and foundation of blob architecture. The free-form “skin” of the building is a cover made of acrylic panels and the entire structure, of steel and foam glass. The building is meant to interact with the environment and change according to its dynamic interior and exterior functions, like art installations and projections which the structure can accommodate.

Beijing National Stadium, China

The stadium was specifically built for the 2008 Olympic Games and has since been called “Bird’s Nest” by the locals. The exposed trusses give it that natural look resembling the intricate weavings and material construction in a typical nest.

Sagrada Familia, Spain

The Sagrada Familia is probably the most anticipated architectural project of the current and previous century. After over a hundred years since Gaudi started working on this Roman Catholic church, it remains unfinished. The central nave of the church was only completed in 2000. The exterior is a surrealistic architectural feat that combines Gothic and Art Nouveau tendencies. Inside the church is Gaudi’s magnanimous interpretation of a forest canopy where the columns supporting the vault mimic trees.

Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

Lisa Dudzik is an expat who had worked in various countries before returning to her home state in Perth, Western Australia. For almost two decades, she managed large-scale construction projects involving high-capacity subways and stations, roads, and highways. For similar reads, visit this blog.

Iconic Landmarks: Four Bridges Worth Visiting

Bridges are landmarks contributing to a city’s charm and history. The visions behind the construction of these structures were also grand, and captured the prevailing aesthetics of the era. Below are four breathtaking bridges worth visiting:

1. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, United States)

The famous red bridge can be seen in countless postcards and other souvenirs, thus earning the record as the most photographed bridge. Opened to the public in 1937, this bridge serves as the West Coast’s landmark. Over 40 million vehicles pass by the bridge yearly.

Image source: Tripadvisor.com

2. Tower Bridge (London, England)

This bridge built in the 19th century is made out of two towers, with its upper level joined by walkways. Most tourists mistakenly take this for the London Bridge, which is much simpler than this architectural marvel. The Tower Bridge got its name from the Tower of London on the other side, which hugely influenced its design.

3. Millau Viaduct (Millau, France)

This is the tallest structure in France with a height of 1,125 ft. Finished in 2004, the bridge has four lanes and spans the valley of the River Tarn near Millau. The aim of its architect, Lord Foster, was to create a delicate-looking bridge that doesn’t obstruct the breathtaking views of nature. The effect is intended to make the bridge look like it’s floating on clouds.

4. Sydney Harbour Bridge (Sydney, Australia)

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge. It is also nicknamed “The Coat Hanger” for its design and provides a good backdrop to the majestic Sydney Opera House. The bridge carries roads for vehicles and pedestrians from the North Shore to the Sydney central business district. Every New Year, fireworks decorate the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and skyline, a view the whole world looks forward to witnessing.

Image source: Traveller.com.au

These bridges are great examples of a particular country’s artistic and architectural sensibilities. Visiting these landmarks is a must for travellers who want to soak in a new city’s unique sights and atmosphere.

Lisa Dudzik is a contracts and claims manager originally from Western Australia. Visit this page for more information on Lisa and her field of work.