Bureau: Royal Haskoning

300 eilanden

Locatie: Dubai

A whole new world is emerging off the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Seen from the air, 300 islands form the familiar outline of the map of the world. Known as ‘The World’, this exclusive development is being created in the shelter of an artificial reef designed by Royal Haskoning. The reef had to appear natural while providing adequate protection for this luxurious archipelago without obstructing the magnificent view. Royal Haskoning came up with a multi-stage protection built from sand, gravel and rock.
A long underwater bank just below the surface breaks the high waves. Stage one lies just under the surface of the water and is in fact a long sand berm on which the waves start to break. Stage two is a low reef of boulders that further reduces the effect of the waves. The 25 kilometre long reef may look modest but it provides a very innovative approach to providing effective protection. The World is one of a number of prestigious land reclamation projects off the coast of Dubai. These also include the two Palm Island projects, Jumeirah and Jebel Ali. Royal Haskoning has also been responsible for designing the crescent breakwater protection for both palm trees.