From groundbreaking penthouses to award-winning towers, Boubker Benjelloun has emerged as a pivotal figure shaping Dubai’s skyline.
The Moroccan-born architect and founder of Benjelloun & Partners is the creative force behind two of Dubai’s most iconic structures — the seashell-inspired COMO Residences on Palm Jumeirah and the serene Solara Tower in Downtown, which recently received the Innovation in Architecture Award. His designs are both bold and functional, merging artistic form with everyday practicality to redefine luxury living.
In this exclusive interview, Boubker shares insights into his design philosophy, inspirations, and the future of architecture in a city where ambition meets creativity.
Your style is often described as ‘sculptural’ and ‘artistic.’ How do you balance form with the practical demands of modern living?
Form and function are not separate for me; they are two sides of the same coin. A building should move you emotionally and also cater to your everyday needs with ease and comfort. A sculptural form should enhance natural light, space, and flow. Artistic design should still feel intuitive and livable. True luxury is when beauty and practicality coexist harmoniously — when a home is both inspiring and effortless to live in.
COMO Residences and Solara Tower have become instantly recognizable parts of Dubai’s skyline. What story were you trying to tell with these designs?
COMO Residences was envisioned as a sky sanctuary — inspired by the sea, sky, and natural geometry of seashells. Its cascading greenery, dubbed the “Waterfall of the Greens,” reflects a commitment to harmony between urban living and nature. Solara Tower tells another story: it combines Dubai’s grandeur with Zen-like tranquility. Designed as an urban oasis, it blends sleek modernity with simplicity and balance, offering residents a serene retreat amid Downtown’s energy. Together, both towers symbolize Dubai’s ability to merge innovation with soul.
Solara Tower
COMO Residences
The COMO Residences Penthouse shattered records as Dubai’s most expensive property. What elements made it worth Dh500 million, beyond location and scale?
The COMO penthouse’s extraordinary value is not just in its size or location, but in the experience it offers. Spanning nearly 22,000 square feet, it’s a vertical palace in the sky — featuring private access, expansive glass terraces, and 360-degree views of Dubai’s landmarks. The residence boasts a wraparound sky pool and multiple water features that provide a sense of calm and exclusivity. Every detail, from bespoke layouts to intelligent home automation, was crafted to blend privacy, artistry, and convenience. Ultimately, buyers purchased not just square meters but a unique piece of architecture that embodies legacy, beauty, and a new standard for luxury living.
Dubai is known for architectural ambition. How do you approach creating something that stands out in such a competitive skyline?
Dubai encourages architects to be daring. My focus is never to replicate what exists, but to ask: how can we contribute something meaningful and timeless? Standing out isn’t only about height or spectacle — it’s about creating forms that evoke emotion, integrate with their surroundings, and resonate with those who live and work there. In a skyline as ambitious as Dubai’s, the enduring buildings are those that tell a story and offer a human connection, not just an impressive silhouette.
In your opinion, what role should architecture play in shaping not just a skyline, but the culture and identity of a city?
Architecture is the most visible expression of a city’s identity. It tells the world who we are, what we value, and how we envision the future. While a skyline is important, architecture’s true impact lies in how it shapes daily life, creates a sense of belonging, and reflects culture. In Dubai, we are fortunate to work in a city that embraces ambition — but ambition must be paired with meaning. My goal is always to design spaces that inspire, but also connect people to heritage, nature, and each other. This is how architecture becomes part of a city’s soul, not just its silhouette.
Where do you find your creative inspiration — in travel, art, nature, or somewhere unexpected?
Inspiration is everywhere, but nature is my greatest teacher. The rhythm of the sea, the geometry of a shell, the way light interacts with space — these simple elements often spark the most powerful ideas.
Which project has challenged you the most, and why?
Solara Tower challenged us to rethink high-rise design. Instead of narrowing as it rose, the tower expands outward at the top. Structurally, this demanded innovation, but it also enhanced the residences — offering larger floor areas on the highest levels, more units with uninterrupted skyline views, and expansive terraces that connect residents to the outdoors. By reimagining the tower’s form, we created not just a striking silhouette but a building where design itself enhances value.
What’s your vision for the next decade of luxury residential architecture in Dubai?
Luxury will continue to evolve, focusing less on scale and more on meaningful living experiences — spaces that feel personal, comfortable, and connected to their surroundings.
How do you see technology, sustainability, and social responsibility shaping high-end developments going forward?
These elements are no longer optional — they are essential. Smart technology enhances seamless living, sustainability ensures long-term value, and social responsibility gives architecture a purpose beyond luxury.
Is there a dream project or location still on your list that you haven’t tackled yet?
Every architect has a dream project in mind — I have mine, but I prefer to let it reveal itself when the time is right. Architecture is about timing as much as vision.
