As we will see across this series of posts, the work of British architect Tom Wright is always futuristic and innovative in style, with plenty of white concrete, mirrored or blue glass, and sleek, unconventional lines. Despite this, he manages also to integrate traditions and local identity into his structures. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in his most famous work, the Burj Al Arab hotel in the UAE.

It is self-evident that this building is bold and unique. The curved side and the straight, the prominent helicopter pad, the tall finials extending above the primary structure, the brilliant windows. It is hard to miss. But, while all of these attributes are doubtlessly a part of its identity, its design is not merely “cool for the sake of being cool.” Rather, it draws inspiration from nautical themes present in the region’s longstanding cultural traditions of seafaring. Its resemblance to a sail is quite obvious, and no accident.

In this way, Tom Wright has created a truly unique piece of architecture, blending a unique and innovative design paradigm with elements of the cultural identity of those who inhabit the space.