Dubai to build world's first temperature-controlled city

Photo: Dubai Holding

Dubai has always been a city of extravagant architecture. That reputation dimmed somewhat, though, when the recession hit, seeing developments stall around the world. Now, though, the emirate's health has recovered significantly, prompting the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, to announce the latest outlandish project: the world's first temperature controlled city.

Design Boom reports that the 48 million square foot development, called Mall of the World, will contain the world's largest shopping mall - naturally - as well as 20,000 hotel rooms, a wellness Centre and a "cultural Celebration district", all housed under one gigantic glass dome, which retracts during winter months.

180 million visitors are expected to visit every year.