RMJM has been selected from a short-list of 11 architects to design the village centers of Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Jumeirah under construction off the coast of Dubai, at sterling pound 250 million each.

The design is based on a composition of Islamic geometry and organic structure, combined with the integration of water in the form of canals and a central basin, said Tony Kettle, director at RMJM head office in Edinburgh and leader of the project team, according to a report in Gulf News.

The design for the centrepiece of The Palm, Jebel Ali is inspired by the Nymphea or Water Lily and resembles a large flower on a reflecting pool. This concept is used for the design of shading elements, which radiate from a central opening dome structure. Below these shading components is a geometric layout of buildings derived from a simple Islamic decorative motif of rotated squares, which provides shade to the functional orthogonal buildings below, said Kettle.

The centrepiece will also represent a major transport interchange for boat users with an outstanding retail experience and will include several boatlifts. RMJM is designing the village centers for Germany-based international developers Inn-pro, who signed an agreement with The Palm developers in August. RMJM has operated in the UAE since 1972, initially in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, and established its Dubai office in 1979. RMJM Dubai are lead consultants for the recently completed Dubai World Trade Exhibition and Convention Center.