BURJ AL ARAB MODEL AT SCALE 1: 200

As with Sydney’s Opera House and Paris’s Eiffel Tower, The Burj Al Arab too is an internationally recognized landmark and symbol of Dubai. For Modelart to be selected to replicate this magnificent structure in model form is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And with this responsibility, one is compelled to push the envelope in model terms in every way possible.

The Burj Al Arab at the time of opening was the world’s tallest hotel at 320m and with seven stars considered to be the most exclusive and luxurious. By day the tensile sail structure is a dazzling white, framed by an envelope of cobalt blue glass, further offset by pristine white arched buttresses frames that hold the building in its grasp. 

 All set on its own island in an ultramarine ocean backdrop. By night the façade is transformed into a spectacular expertly choreographed light show that plays out in a multitude of sequences and is entertainment for those fortunate to be able to view it from many kilometers around.  

When approaching a model project such as this where the building is already complete and operational, we attempted to tap into the essence of what the building is. The high level of detail and accuracy of all of the elements that make up the structure needs to be replicated, as precisely as the scale will permit. The man made island context of the building makes it unique and requires special treatment. The biggest test was to animate the building with illumination that would closely resemble the real life scenario. To achieve this we designed a programmable system of changing LED colours in the buildings core space reflecting into the back of the semi translucent sail, depicting the real life rainbow light show. This ebb and flow of tones of coloured light was further supported by hundreds of Fibre-optic light points each strategically positioned to spotlight aspects if the model such as palm trees, structural elements, water features as well as general lighting made possible by Fibre-optic clusters such as  at the porte cochere. The lighting aspect that drew the most attention and qualified the rest of the illumination was the strobe effect comprising a programmable array of Fibre-optic lights configured in a regular beat, up the centre of the giant buttress frames.  A purpose designed, programmable switching system was employed to independently control each of 64 light points in choreography of fifteen unique show sequences ranging from lights racing up the curved portion of the beam to pulsed flashes. Our personal favorite was the bouncing ball sequence, commencing at the top of the arc simulating a ball in free fall gathering speed on the way down, bouncing back up, slowing gradually, stalling and then back into free-fall, accelerating down and bouncing back up again, gradually loosing momentum as a golf ball would when dropped from a similar height onto a hard surface. It was unmistakably real. 

Construction Techniques: Remaining with techniques that we at Modelart have evolved over time was our approach. CAD files were supplied by the office of Architect. Tom Wills-Wright of WS Atkins Dubai. Computer models based on the CAD files were generated, from which the components were CNC machined into a kit of parts. The parts are hand assembled into sub assemblies that are given their finishing treatment that in turn combine to compete the building which is then secured onto the prefabricated island context.

Construction materials: Comprise mainly of high impact styrene that is selected for its malleability, machines well, bonds well and readily accepts a wide range of finishing materials and techniques. Poly-carbonate and Plexiglas are our preferred choice of material for simulating glass on a model. The ocean was simulated with the use of a sheet of Plexiglas, with detail airbrushed from below and a fine layer clear resin sprayed over the surface to give the impression of water but careful not excessively so as not to loose the reflection of the building. 

Presentation: The model with integrated toughened safety glass cover mounted on a rigid aluminum base tray, concealed by a demountable rose wood frame to conceal the base tray and enhance presentation value, was designed to be displayed on a purpose built podium at the display vnue.
Transportation: The model is protected by a purpose built aluminum flight container comprising of a shallow rigid aluminum base tray permanently secured to the model on industrial castors and a cover in two halves split vertically in a clam fashion. The two halves indexed into the base tray as well as well as into one another with extruded interlocking profiles and tightly clamped by means of leaver cam latches. At the destination, the model is maneuvered into position on the caster wheels. The entire assembly is then lifted into a purpose made podium in the exhibition space. The upper portion of the Aluminum freight box is unclipped and the two halves of the shell removed to reveal the model complete in the glass container. The power supply via standard computer plug is connected via the socket concealed beneath the model tray. To conclude the installation the Rosewood frame is extracted from a compartment in the lid, assembled and slid over the glass so as to rest on the plinth completing the presentation.

We have built three BAA models.  The first was for exhibit in the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt museum in New York and the other two are roving ambassadors for the promotion of the Burj Al  Arab in many countries around the world. It should be mentioned that the third model was probably the best of the three given the value of experience gleaned on the first and second.

We at Modelart remain eternally grateful to Mary Mc Laughlin. Sponsorship Director & Brand Ambassador at Jumeirah Group International for selecting Modelart in world where global competition for such commissions is fierce.

Click here to view the architecural scale model video.

ModelArt, based in Gauteng, South Africa are one of the leading international Architectural Scale Model Building companies in the world.

Modelart is distinguished for its quality and is the preferred bidder for the supply of models for many of the world’s most prestigious projects.


Modelart’s twenty two year experience in the field has been a process of perpetual re-appraisal in a quest to produce premium quality models. We ensure competitive pricing, facilitate value engineering and make certain of the delivery of an appropriate presentation solution, in response to a given brief.