Project Description

The Lagoons – Mixed Use Development

Dubai, UAE

Sama Dubai, a division of the UAE Government’s Dubai Holdings, engaged Parsons to prepare a detailed Master Plan, based on a conceptual plan developed by others, which was successfully submitted for approval by the Dubai Municipality. The project, which envisions the development of over 95 million square feet of residential, office, hotel, retail and community facilities, is four times the size of London’s famed Canary Wharf development. The urban development is to be accommodated on seven man-made islands which are being developed adjacent to the Dubai Creek; a system of navigable canals will provide extensive waterfront areas. It is expected that many residents of the development will work and shop within the precinct, thereby reducing overall travel and transportation requirements; an extension of the Dubai metro is planned to link the project to the rest of the city and an internal tram will supplement and support movements within the development. Four iconic towers, inspired by flicking candlelight, will anchor the project.

Services provided included:

  • Review and analysis of prior Master Planning work.
  • Collaboration with Parsons’ Transportation and Infrastructure teams in adjusting the subdivision plans for the project to accommodate increased ROW’s for vehicular traffic, mass transit and utilities.
  • Coordination with Sama Dubai’s Master Planning team to resolve a variety of major issues relating to parcel layout, size, shape and configuration as well as allowable Gross Floor Areas, building heights, parcel coverage, building configuration, etc.
  • Preparation of Plot Development Guidelines for over 480 parcels providing guidance to property owners and individual project designers on permitted uses, setback requirements, etc.

Role: Manager Planning and Urban Design Department – Parsons, Dubai, UAE