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OMA designs field of columns engraved with stories from Arabic scholars in Dubai

Dutch firms Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and Inside Outside have designed 1,680 triangular aluminium columns engraved with stories from Arabic scholars, scientists and thinkers called "Ethar – Honouring Generosity".

Arranged to look like a magnetic field on Jumeirah Beach on Dubai’s shore, the columns grow taller as you walk deeper into the installation, and lead to a rectangular public square in the centre.

The columns will offer shade and will be made from recycled aluminium.

OMA says that at night, the perspective of the columns will shift from "wide to sharp and cold to warm" as lights in the central plaza illuminate them.

Funds raised by sponsoring individual columns will be used to support charities.

Additional columns will be spread throughout Dubai "as a symbol for Emirati culture".

Ethar – Honouring Generosity will be supported by Kuala Lumpur construction firm YBK Group and the Dubai based Ethar Foundation.

Images courtesy of OMA

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