Al Seef is an iconic cultural waterfront destination that expresses both heritage revival and contemporary urban growth. Located along Dubai Creek in the historic heart of the city, the restored 1.6 km stretch pays tribute to the metropolis’s maritime heritage and multi-cultural modern identity.

Following partial demolition in the 1980’s and a successful campaign to save the remaining heritage buildings, developers remodelled the site to accommodate F&B, retail, and hospitality with an open space events plaza, and marina promenade. The public realm is split into two distinct themes drawing inspiration on one side from the local architecture which includes the 1890’s Al Bastakiya, with arcades, souk, and winding narrow street typologies, and on the other from Dubai’s famously fast rise to world class city status.

The Restoration of Memories

Cracknell studied photographic documentation, to design a contemporary yet authentic representation of the design’s traditional vernacular as it appeared after erosion through layers of time. As part of the recreational experience within the heritage revival phase of the project, the team placed replicated artifacts, designed concrete materials and structural elements with imperfect finishes, integrated rustic lighting, and made shaded areas from local palm leaves (called barasti) to display local craftsmanship.

Activation of the Creek

A cantilevered deck, open promenade, dining terraces, sculptural seating, reflecting pools and marina boardwalk activate the Creek’s edge. Al Seef is linked by boat routes to the opposite side of the Creek and the gold and spice souks, creating a vibrant and immersive circular route around the districts of Old Dubai.

Long term solutions to predicted sea level fluctuations were key to the projects’ longevity and success. The heritage revival phase referenced existing water edge treatments, while the contemporary phase integrated an existing key wall and a stepped water feature which uses water pumped to the upper steps to create a cooling flow back into the Creek. Building resilience into the scheme, safe access and commercial functionality is provided for at least the next few decades.

Embracing Modernity

A series of pavilions that fully open onto the Creekside promenade in the contemporary phase blur the lines between internal and external spaces so that a stage is created for active restaurant and hospitality spill-out. A terraced cascading landscape of modern materials and lines takes inspiration from Dubai’s embrace of new urban growth patterns which is expressed further through the use of simple angular benches, sculptures, raised planters, modern paving, and defined linear lighting strips.

A Beloved Destination

Integrating Dubai’s cultural calendar with events such as Ramadan Nights and traditional performances, Al Seef transports locals and tourists alike to Old Dubai while at the same time embracing the City’s contemporary vibrance and optimism for the future.

Project Data

Landscape architecture: Cracknell
Other designers involved in the design of landscape:
– Project Managers: ATKINS,
– Architects: Godwin Austin Johnson, 10 Design
– Marine, MEP and Structural: H2CM
Project location: Dubai, UAE
Year completed: 2018
Photo credits: Alessandro Merati / Copyright Cracknell, Ranjith Akkarathodi / Copyright Cracknell