Sheikh Zayed Bridge / Zaha Hadid Architects by Hufton+Crow
Becoming a destination in itself and potential catalyst in the future urban growth of Abu Dhabi, the Zaha Hadid designed Sheikh Zayed Bridge was conceived in a highly mobile society that requires a new route around the Gulf south shore, connecting the three Emirates together. Hufton+Crow shared with us their photos as they capture the many viewpoints of this sinusoidal waveform structure. A complete gallery of images after the break.
Design Days Dubai
The only design fair in the Middle East and South Asia, Design Days Dubai is the most diverse design fair globally presenting galleries from six continents. On view March 18-21, R 20th Century will be presenting iconic works by Wendell Castle, Oscar Niemeyer and Joaquim Tenreiro, and new pieces by The Haas Brothers, kelly behun | STUDIO, David Wiseman, Thaddeus Wolfe, and Jeff Zimmerman. More information on the event after the break.
In Progress: Infinity Tower / SOM
Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Structural And Plumbing Engineering: SOM
Site Area: 3,026.50 m2
Project Area: 111,484 m2
Building Height: 307m (73 stories)
Year: 2013
Photographs: Courtesy of SOM
Rock Stadium Proposal / MZ Architects
Inspired by the desert landscape, the design of Rock Stadium by MZ Architects celebrates the game it hosts as much as it celebrates the site in which it lays. Sunken 200,000sqm into the cooler depth of the desert sand, the Rock Stadium, like a hidden treasure, presents itself to the visitor as a series of sharply inclined planes emerging from the ground. More images and architects’ description after the break.
‘Towards Green Buildings/Architecture for UAE?’ Workshop
As part of Ajman University of Science & Technology‘s series of architecture workshops by architects and designers, Emilio Ambasz will be presenting the ‘Towards Green Buildings/Architecture for UAE?’ workshop. The event will take place at the Ajman University February 4-10. To register and for more information, please feel free to contact the workshop coordinator: Dr. Jihad Awad: Dr_jihadaa@yahoo.com, j.awad@ajman.ac.ae.
Bulgari Pavilion / NaNA
The Bulgari Pavilion, a temporary installation commissioned by prestigious luxury jewelry brand Bulgari, was designed by NaNA for the Abu Dhabi Art 2012 event held Saadiyat al Manarat, Abu Dhabi November 5-10. The architects were given a prominent outdoor space at the entrance of the event to create a lounge for VIPs and dignitaries of the art fair. Their design was conceived as an exclusive and private venue with live music, a bar, and a specially curated selection of Bulgari’s high end jewelry. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum / Ateliers Jean Nouvel
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel, aims at creating a welcoming world which associates lights and shadows as well as shimmers and calm places in a serene atmosphere. Its objective is to belong to its country, to its history, to its geography, avoiding being either a dull translation of this reality or a pleonasm meaning boredom and convention. It also aims at emphasizing the fascination generated by rare encounters. More images and architects’ description after the break.
In Progress: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi / HDR Architecture
Architects: HDR Architecture
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Interior Design: AEDAS
Completion Year: 2013
Photographs: Courtesy of HDR Architecture
‘Thinking of Shadow’ Workshop by Satoshi Okada
Taking place October 18-23 at Ajman University of Science & Technology, UAE, Japanese Architect, Satoshi Okada, will be putting on an architectural workshop titled, ‘Thinking of Shadow’. As the founder of Satoshi Okada Architects, Okada is known for his simplicity with sublimity even in warmhearted spaces for human activities and even spirituality in rich materiality and delicate details. He believes that “…building activities, on one hand, are nothing but destruction of whatever exists; nevertheless, all the more because of it, they have to compensate it by a beautiful gift of artifice more than before”. For more information on the event, please visit here.
Masrah Al Qasba Theater / Magma Architecture
Architects: Magma Architecture
Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Design Team: Martin Ostermann, Lena Kleinheinz, Hendrik Bohle, Philipp Mecke, Anke Noske, Carlos Lara
Project Year: 2012
Photographs: Courtesy of Magma Architecture, Torsten Seidel
O-14 / Reiser + Umemoto
Architects: Reiser + Umemoto
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Project Year: 2010
Photographs: Nelson Garrido
Al Hilal Bank Commercial Tower / Goettsch Partners
Challenged to define a distinctive image that would reflect Al Hilal Bank’s unique brand while also setting an international aesthetic, Goettsch Partners designed a bold, contemporary tower that shifts in massing as it rises. The flagship commercial development, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, formerly known as Sowwah Island, conveys a timeless image through its distinct architectural form. With an expected competition in the last quarter of 2013, the new 24-storey speculative office tower will be a key element for the central business district. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Axiom Town Headquarter Complex / MBAD Arquitectos + X Architects
The design for the Axiom Town Headquarter Complex by MBAD Arquitectos + X Architects aims to have good urban quality, a young and smart-casual feel, an outstanding look, and an innovative solution to all functional and operational objectives. In order to achieve these desired workspace qualities, the concept includes integrating the landscape with the building and blurring the edge between the interior and the exterior. The architectural edge becomes an active edge not only between the immediate interior and exterior of the building, but also between the interior and the created exterior space within the building while also forming the program spaces. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Guardian Towers / LAB Architecture Studio + ERGA Progress
Architects: LAB Architecture Studio in association with ERGA Progress
Location: Danet Abu Dhabi – Al Qudra, United Arab Emirates
Design Team: Donald Bates, Oliver Hunt, Peter Davidson, Joseph Sawaya, Faris Hammady
Project Year: 2011
Project Area: 53,800 sqm
Client: Guardian Real Estate
Photographs: Javier Callejas Sevilla
Al Dar Headquarters / MZ Architects
Architects: MZ Architects
Location: Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Owner & Developer: Al Dar Properties
Project Manager: Al Dar Laing O’Rourke Construction
Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer: ARUP
Facade Design and Construction: Josef Gartner
Total built-up Area (including basement): 123,000 sqm
Cost: AED 1,000,000,000
Completion: Jan 2010
Photographs: Courtesy of MZ Architects
‘Nested Figures and Loose Outer Shells’ Workshop by Tom Wiscombe
Taking place June 21-25 at Ajman University of Science & Technology, is a 5-day architectural workshop by the internationally renowned architect Tom Wiscombe. The title of the workshop is: “Nested Figures and Loose Outer Shells.” For more information and registration please contact workshop coordinator Dr. Jihad Awad: dr_jihadaa@yahoo.com, j.awad@ajman.ac.ae
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi / SOM
Saif Bader Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA), has unveiled plans for the new three-million-square-foot, 838-bed Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC). The new complex, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) in a joint venture with ICME and Tilke, will replace the existing Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and provide expanded medical, pediatric, and trauma care for the residents of Abu Dhabi.
Mustafa K. Abadan, Design Partner for the project, says “The new Sheikh Khalifa Medical City balances the technical demands of a world-class medical center with the psychological well being of its visitors. The design allows for the flexible integration of next generation medical technologies, while the incorporation of amenities, such as trees and hanging gardens coupled with restaurants and retail, provides tranquility, relief and a sense of normalcy for patients and their families.”
Continue reading for more images and the architect’s description.
Vertical Village / GRAFT Architects
Designed by GRAFT Architects, Vertical Village is a residential, hotel and entertainment development in Dubai that harnesses the most powerful renewable energy source in the desert, the sun. Organized to reduce solar gain and maximize solar production, the buildings are massed as self-shading slabs at the north of the site on the east-west axis to reduce low-angle sun penetration. At the southern end of the site, a vast solar collector array optimally angles itself toward the sun and faces the main public strip as a potent gesture to the developments sustainable intent and minimum LEED Gold rated performance. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge / Zaha Hadid Architects
Archtitects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Design: Zaha Hadid
Project Architect: Graham Modlen
Project Team: Garin O’Aivazian, Zahira Nazer, Christos Passas, Sara Klomps, Steve Power
Completion: 2010
Photographs: Christian Richters
Workshop by Delugan Meissl at Ajman University
Ajman University of Science & Technology will hosting a four-day workshop by architects Mrs. Elke Delugan-Meissl and Mr. Roman Delugan of Delugan Meissl Associated Architects – DMAA February 18-22. DMAA is known for their works involving urban development and interior and industrial design. Their most recent award was for the IF Product Design Award 2012 for their IYON LED Spotlight Series for Zumtobel. In addition, Delugan Meissl will hold a public lecture and open an exhibition for their work during the period of the workshop at the university. For more information and registration, please contact workshop coordinator Dr. Jihad Awad: dr_jihadaa@yahoo.com; j.awad@ajman.ac.ae.
