Tameer to build 'Podium' project boasting 33-storey media screen façade

Aptly named "Podium", the development will be a world first, boasting a 33-storey high LED media façade that will be visible from a distance of 1.5 kilometres. This idea was generated by Tameer's marketing team and designed by Dactronics, the LED technology experts who also worked on the Grand Lisboa and surrounding skyline in China, the Podium's first-of-its-kind curved LED façade will be a powerful medium for advertising, messaging and art, upholding Dubai's repute as a pioneering stronghold for architecture and civil engineering.

Speaking on TAMEER's ambitious project, CEO of TAMEER, Ghassan Sakhnini, said that as well as being a significant technological advancement, "Podium" is an expression of Tameer's focus on the community, with the huge screen façade enabling mass communication through a traditionally powerful medium, allowing companies, not-for-profit organizations, government authorities and other parties to broadcast their messages to the wider public.

"With today's ever evolving environment, we thought it imperative to combine the best of integrated technology with mass media in a commercial realty development to provide both investors, end-users and the wider community with an unparalleled experience that incorporates all the elements of technology, environment, design, sophistication and comfort, true to our commitment of building perfect living and working spaces"

Mr. Sakhnini said.

In addition to its LED façade, the Podium offers 33 levels of premium commercial office space, and two floors dedicated to retail, as well as four floors for parking. The sophisticated design of the LED screen, along with the state-of-the-art technology utilised in its construction, means that the screen will in no way impede the flow of natural light into the building. Thus, the offices directly behind the massive screen will have the same open feel as those on the opposite side of the building.

"The Podium will maximise on ergonomic design and will be developed in accordance with the highest standards of finishing, not only remaining at the forefront of the technological revolution but also offering the most prime commercial premises for the most ambitious and innovative of companies from which to operate"; Mr. Sakhnini said.

The cutting-edge technology used by for Podium's screen is based on a relatively simple concept. A series of LED bulbs are arranged in a matrix that is mounted section by section on the structure, following its curve and adhering to the final shape. The concealed fasteners allow for a see-through effect while the water-tight connectors resist corrosive water penetration. When the component sections are powered and a signal is broadcasted, each pixel connects to its own individual address and becomes uniquely programmable and capable of projecting one billion colours. A highly reflective tinted glass - framed by buffed natural aluminium panels, mullions and canopies - will be utilised to achieve excellent visual quality.

Launched in November 2006, Majan is a dynamic 16.5 million square foot city that incorporates residential, commercial, retail, leisure and entertainment zones. Designed to showcase diversity, with unconventional and awe-inspiring building styles alongside innovative entertainment concepts, Majan sets the benchmark in contemporary urban living and offers the perfect setting for the Podium's unique modern design.