RCR Arquitectes unveils ultra-thin Muraba Veil skyscraper for Dubai

RCR Arquitectes and developer Muraba have unveiled the Muraba Veil, a revolutionary ultra-thin residential skyscraper in Dubai. The 380-meter-tall tower, just 22.5 meters wide, will contain 131 units along Sheikh Zayed Road. Presented during Dubai Design Week on November 5, 2024, the project is slated for completion by 2028. The architects—Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramon Vilalta—founded RCR Arquitectes in 1988 and won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2017. The design incorporates a steel mesh inspired by the traditional mashrabiya for natural ventilation and shading, while green courtyards enhance airflow. The architects emphasized integrating local cultural concepts rather than forms, aiming to reduce environmental impact and limit air conditioning use. The project stems from a decade-long collaboration with Ibrahim Al Ghurair, founder of Muraba. RCR Arquitectes have previously worked in Dubai on Muraba in Jumeirah Palm, Muraba Dia, and Dar Al Marefa school. The architects noted Dubai's evolution since their first invitation to a competition in 2005, interrupted by the 2008/09 financial crisis, and praised the city's growing humanization.