sinuous and futuristic, mercedes-benz unveils its first architectural landmark in dubai

mercedes-benz places unites automotives and architecture

Marking its first venture into the real estate market, Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with Dubai-based developers Binghatti to reveal a new branded icon for the city. Merging the creative worlds of automotives and architecture, Mercedes-Benz Places will rise 341 meters (1,118 feet) above the city with a distinctive elliptical silhouette to deliver a holistic and curated luxury living experience interwoven with the German car company’s design DNA across all facets — from architecture and interiors to sustainability initiatives and infrastructure. For CEO and Architect Muhammad BinGhatti, the collaboration celebrates Mercedes-Benz’s century-long heritage in mobility as an architectural landmark, guided primarily by its core philosophy of ‘sensual purity’. ‘The art of sensual purity is a rooted philosophy for Mercedes-Benz as an idea of amalgamating two dichotomous notions, when emotion and rationale come together to form something that is highly iconic,’ he shares at the project unveiling.

The hyper-tower’s minimalist, sinuous curves thus recall the flowing lines characteristic of a host of ultra-modern Mercedes-Benz cars, including the futuristic Vision One-Eleven and the Concept CLA Class, against the backdrop of the city as an emblem of the brand. Within, the architectural interiors pay homage to those of the automotive industry through a futuristic lens. The concept embraces poetically drawn lines and materials such as natural stone, fluted travertine, walnut veneer, and satin chrome finishing that fuse the innovations of German car engineering and nod to notions of rationality in design as posed by the Bauhaus in the early 1900s.

all images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

With no shortage of luxury, monumental structures already reshaping Dubai, and other residential projects recently unveiled by leading automotive brands worldwide, Mercedes-Benz Places differentiates itself by homing in on sustainability initiatives embodying the inherent values of both collaborating partners. ‘We strategically aligned the project with the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 which aspires to achieve a reduction of 600,000 kg of carbon emissions a year,’ notes BinGhatti. This, united with Mercedes-Benz’s Ambition 2039 to become entirely CO2 neutral, unfolds most prominently across the rear elevation, entirely integrated with photovoltaic panels spanning an area of 75 thousand square feet. This feature, artfully punctuated by a repeated pattern composed of Mercedes-Benz’s classic three-pointed star logo will generate energy to charge up to 40 electric vehicles on site per day, translating to an aggregate of 20 thousand kilometers of carbon free trips.

Mercedes-Benz ventures into the realm of real estate for the first time in partnership with Binghatti

an iconic landmark celebrating a century of brand heritage

As one of the tallest buildings in the heart of the city, Mercedes-Benz Places’ strategic location will allow all residents to enjoy unobstructed views of monuments in and beyond Downtown Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa. Envisioned as a holistic ecosystem that is ‘unmistakably Mercedes-Benz’, the hyper-tower will provide its residents access to a range of exclusive mixed-use facilities, including restaurants, sports and wellness zones, lounges, non-automotive retail, exhibition spaces, and parking. The space will also deliver a spectrum of innovative mobility solutions, including EV charging, smart mobility apps, ride-hailing, bike and scooter sharing, and chauffeur services, elevating the living experience. Across its 65 stories, the tower will host a collection of 150 residences comprising an array of unit types ranging from two- to four-bedroom apartments to a coveted crowning triplex penthouse — each named after iconic car models including the most expensive car in the world, the Uhlenhaut Coupé.

The tower is composed of three main elements, starting with the core and its horizontal structuring of the balconies. The second element is the adjoining lamella structure with its dynamic lines, which encompasses the entire volume of the tower like a frame. The third, the closed southern facade, is characterised by its visually striking cladding — both a significant contributor to the tower’s overall identity and functional in providing shading from the peak summer sun and generating efficient energy through the integration of photovoltaics.

located in the heart of the city

With all units pushed towards the front elevation and services concealed at the rear, generous floor-to-ceiling glazing allows the interior and exterior to merge into a single entity, positioning inhabitants in direct visual dialogue with the monumental encompassing landscape. ‘Additionally, the entire floor plate is tilted 30 degrees to give an optimal perpendicular angle directly towards the Burj Khalifa,’ shares Muhammad BinGhatti.

Finally, the teams at Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz have adopted the highest-quality components, igniting a minimalistic yet welcoming feel that is both modern and timeless. For Mercedes-Benz, the goal has been to create balanced proportions through strategically placed elements that lend both optical ‘surprises’ as well as functional elements, and clear graphics, rather than through addition of disparate design features. Mercedes-Benz Places is set to break ground in Dubai later this year, with completion estimated for 2026.

the rear elevation is clad entirely integrated with photovoltaic panels spanning an area of 75 thousand square feet

project info:

name: Mercedes-Benz Places

location: Dubai, UAE

developer: Binghatti

brand: Mercedes-Benz