In pictures: DIFC's architecture

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Jun 13, 2012 - The Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC. ( Jaime Puebla / The National Newspaper ) Do not use until after Ramadan 2012. Photos for a double-page spread in Business during the summer.

However, it could have looked very different. Gensler, which was also the master planner for the DIFC as a whole, entered the competition for the design of The Gate late and only after it petitioned the free zone for permission to enter.

“There is a lot of symbolism in The Gate,� says Chris Johnson, the architect for the Gate, and regional managing principal for the Middle East, Europe and North Africa at Gensler.

Hints for the design were taken from the brief, which mention the Arc de Triomphe and the desire to set up an axis between the past and the future.

To make it the financial centre feel more like a resort, Gensler introduced mixed uses, such as the Ritz-Carlton hotel, which it also designed after securing the commission in a competition, as well as apartments, and retail. While it was responsible for ???

Taking its inspiration from traditional Arab architecture, Hopkins Architects designed the buildings to be closer together to create natural shade. “It’s much better than just boring office entrances,� says Simon Fraser, the managing director for t???