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By: Walter BoneRegistered Landscape Architect

Area Development ManagerDEC Dynamic Engineering Consultants

The World of Hunger Games

An inside look at the new Hunger Games theme park in Dubai

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

The latest installment to Motiongate’s theme park in Dubai Parks and Resorts saw Lionsgate reveal The World of Hunger Games’ (WHG) depicting the popular movie franchise. Located just off the central hub fountain adjacent to the Hollywood theater and New York Street in Motiongate, WHG opened last October featuring two new rides, as well as a thematic food cart and other amenities. The venue was designed (by Dynamic Engineering Consultants alongside the Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR) creative team and IMA Design Group who produced the early concepts) with a storytelling landscape in mind that repeated both hard and soft landscape materials from all of the movies. The project consisted of themed imagery utilizing local materials designed by both Falcons’ Treehouse and Paragon Creative and provides two major attractions; the capital bullet train launch coaster and the Panem train simulator.

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As guests approach the hub fountain from New York Street, the large Lionsgate marquee sign shines from the 9 o’clock position. Once inside, guests are welcomed by internally lit punched metal tubes providing a sparkling setting at night. The Hunger Games Plaza is both informative and formal. Each Hunger Games District is represented by its own District Pilaster with descriptions of each District and what each District is responsible for in providing to the Capitol city of Panem. To the left of the Hunger Games Plaza is the Hall of Justice stage where the movie’s main character, Katniss Everdeen, volunteered to replace her sister as a Tribute. As in the movies, a large LED screen that is 3m x 4m stands on erected steel tubular columns showing all the happenings in the Capitol city and the World of Hunger Games attraction. For those who like to snack, movie-themed Peetah’s Bakery offers a variety of treats and drinks. Thematic wooden picnic tables and stools provide safe and comfortable seating for those who have

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

survived the Launch Coaster ride. A locker room is also available for storing bags, hats, glasses, etc prior to entering the Launch Coaster. Themed paving replicating the scenes of the movie feature stamped and stained concrete as well as themed plastering, gates, railings and site furnishings also complimented the overall park’s surreal look and feel, allowing guests to be totally immersed into the Hunger Games experience. Motiongate have successfully delivered another iconic attraction with the World of Hunger Games and now Phase Two will see a Six Flags theme park opening in Dubai Parks and Resorts. Six Flags will offer the largest thrill seeking attractions in the region with roller coasters, dark rides, water rides and themed attractions unlike any other venue in the region.