1. ArchDaily
  2. X-Architects

X-Architects: The Latest Architecture and News

Sharjah City Guide: 18 Contemporary and Historical Attractions to Discover in UAE's Cultural Hub

Sharjah, the captivating territory in the United Arab Emirates, is a cultural hub that blends tradition with contemporary modernity. Situated on the Arabian coastline, the city is known for its commitment to preserving its rich history, promoting the arts and culture, and providing a platform for creative and intellectual pursuits. In fact, the 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) will take place from November 11, 2023, to March 10, 2024, under the theme "The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability." The Triennial is curated by Tosin Oshinowo, exploring innovative design solutions emerging from conditions of scarcity in the Global South.

With a deep-rooted connection to its cultural heritage, the emirate is home to an array of museums that showcase a journey through multiple timelines, from Islamic civilization to traditional lifestyles. Now a hotspot for emerging designers, the city has taken a leading role as a patron of fine arts. In the contemporary city, attractions are designed by many architects, from Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, 51-1 Arquitectos, to Hopkins Architects. In addition to this emerging cultural scene, old Sharjah is a valuable embodiment of historical tradition, having been transformed into useable attractions and art facilities. The old Sharjah also flaunts landmarks such as the modernist King Faisal Mosque, the Museum of Islamic Civilization, and the Sharjah Art Museum.

Sharjah City Guide: 18 Contemporary and Historical Attractions to Discover in UAE's Cultural Hub - Image 1 of 4Sharjah City Guide: 18 Contemporary and Historical Attractions to Discover in UAE's Cultural Hub - Image 2 of 4Sharjah City Guide: 18 Contemporary and Historical Attractions to Discover in UAE's Cultural Hub - Image 3 of 4Sharjah City Guide: 18 Contemporary and Historical Attractions to Discover in UAE's Cultural Hub - Image 4 of 4Sharjah City Guide: 18 Contemporary and Historical Attractions to Discover in UAE's Cultural Hub - More Images+ 14

Meet the Winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards

The Association of Arab Architects has announced the winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards. This year’s winning architectural projects highlight the importance of inclusive design, taking into account sustainability and designing with a sensible response to the local communities and landscapes they inhibit. The two-day ceremony was held in Amman, Jordan on November 16-17, 2022, and gathered hundreds of regional architects, urban planners, engineers, and designers of all demographics to explore and engage in discussions about architecture and the future of the built environment in the Arab region.

Meet the Winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards  - Image 1 of 4Meet the Winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards  - Image 2 of 4Meet the Winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards  - Image 3 of 4Meet the Winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards  - Image 4 of 4Meet the Winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards  - More Images+ 14

Visiting 2019 Aga Khan Award Laureates

When the winners of the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture are announced every three years, the architecture celebrated is arguably the best, most important work found around the world. While the 2022 cycle announcements are imminent, looking back at the six project laureates from 2019 proves to be a fruitful review.

Visiting 2019 Aga Khan Award Laureates - Image 1 of 4Visiting 2019 Aga Khan Award Laureates - Image 2 of 4Visiting 2019 Aga Khan Award Laureates - Image 3 of 4Visiting 2019 Aga Khan Award Laureates - Image 4 of 4Visiting 2019 Aga Khan Award Laureates - More Images+ 13

The Future of Glass Construction in a Warmer World: A Selection of Glazed but Efficient Projects

If you’ve been avoiding some of the latest news recently, here’s a quick update; European and North American countries have been facing one of the hottest recorded summers in modern history. Discussions over the climate crises have therefore been reignited and so has the role of the design and construction industry in providing solutions that would mitigate the experienced heat effects in our daily lives. While passive cooling solutions have always been used in some parts of the world, where local resources and vernacular builds are adapted to high temperatures, other regions are looking to technological and innovative manufacturing means that would maintain human comfort, aesthetic values, and energy efficiency/ cost. 

Although early modernism with its signature high-rises and glass houses had made us think that glass enveloped buildings are mostly uncomfortable, over-exposed, and overheating settings; nowadays glass manufacturers are proving that glass, if well treated and well-placed, can be as versatile and efficient a material as one could want without compromising the visual comfort or the dwellers. 

The Future of Glass Construction in a Warmer World: A Selection of Glazed but Efficient Projects - Image 1 of 4The Future of Glass Construction in a Warmer World: A Selection of Glazed but Efficient Projects - Image 27 of 4The Future of Glass Construction in a Warmer World: A Selection of Glazed but Efficient Projects - Image 36 of 4The Future of Glass Construction in a Warmer World: A Selection of Glazed but Efficient Projects - Image 10 of 4The Future of Glass Construction in a Warmer World: A Selection of Glazed but Efficient Projects - More Images+ 39

X-Architects Proposes "Architectural Constellation" for a Desert Hideaway Resort in KSA

X-Architects’ entry for the Desert Resort Competition, generated a luxury 60 keys desert hideaway resort, in an ultra-harsh and empty environment. Placed in Rub’ Al Khali, the world’s biggest sand sea located in the KSA, the project addresses the challenging design in desert-like surroundings.

X-Architects Proposes "Architectural Constellation" for a Desert Hideaway Resort in KSA - Image 1 of 4X-Architects Proposes "Architectural Constellation" for a Desert Hideaway Resort in KSA - Image 2 of 4X-Architects Proposes "Architectural Constellation" for a Desert Hideaway Resort in KSA - Image 3 of 4X-Architects Proposes "Architectural Constellation" for a Desert Hideaway Resort in KSA - Image 4 of 4X-Architects Proposes Architectural Constellation for a Desert Hideaway Resort in KSA - More Images+ 8

X-Architects' to Design an Urban Mosque That Forms the "Heart of the Neighborhood" in Abu Dhabi

The Dubai-based firm, X-Architects, have found inspiration in the cultural and architectural heritage of Islam for their new design. The Revelation Mosque, a +2500 square meter project, aims to create a new "heart of the neighborhood" in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In creating a generous urban void among a towering context, the proposal offers an immersive escape from everyday life, where the public (regardless of religion) can gather, communicate, and interact with one another.

X-Architects' to Design an Urban Mosque That Forms the "Heart of the Neighborhood" in Abu Dhabi - Image 2 of 4X-Architects' to Design an Urban Mosque That Forms the "Heart of the Neighborhood" in Abu Dhabi - Image 1 of 4X-Architects' to Design an Urban Mosque That Forms the "Heart of the Neighborhood" in Abu Dhabi - Image 4 of 4X-Architects' to Design an Urban Mosque That Forms the "Heart of the Neighborhood" in Abu Dhabi - Image 3 of 4X-Architects' to Design an Urban Mosque That Forms the Heart of the Neighborhood in Abu Dhabi - More Images+ 11

See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin

See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 1 of 4
Jumeirah Lake Towers

From Barcelona to Bejing, Marc Goodwin is capturing architectural workspaces around the world. Goodwin’s latest endeavor: Dubai. Scroll down to get a glimpse of where architects like the ones at RMJM and EDGE work in the “City of Gold.”

See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 1 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 2 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 3 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 4 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 5 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 6 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 7 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 8 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - Image 9 of 4See Dubai-Based Architecture Firms Through the Lens of Marc Goodwin - More Images+ 19

Kuwaiti Pavilion at 2016 Venice Biennale Entitled "Between East and West: a Gulf"

The third Kuwaiti Pavilion at the 2016 Venice Biennale, entitled ‘Between East and West: A Gulf’, will "look past Kuwait’s borders to the contested hydrography of the Persian/Arabian Gulf" in order to propose a new masterplan for the region. Curated by Hamed Bukhamseen from Kuwait and Ali Karimi from Bahrain the pavilion will, in an area of physical, religious, and political division, "tell the story of the Gulf’s islands and the possibilities they hold for a joint territorial project."

X-Architects Win Competition to Design New Masterplan for Mecca

X-Architects has won a competition to re-masterplan Mecca. As designMENA reports, the UAE-based practice has proposed a number of safe and streamlined pedestrian routes to "enhance the movement during the 'Nafrah,' the ritual of moving from Mina to Haram and vice versa" during the religious Hajj. The plan also includes a proposed mixed-use development adjacent to Hima Al Masheir (the holy ritual territories) that would provide service and facilities to those taking part in the pilgrimage.

Axiom Town Headquarter Complex / MBAD Arquitectos + X Architects

Axiom Town Headquarter Complex / MBAD Arquitectos + X Architects - Image 12 of 4
Courtesy of 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.

Urban Oasis / X-Architects

Urban Oasis / X-Architects - Image 6 of 4

Dubai based X-Architects recently unveiled the Urban Oasis, their latest sustainable master plan for Al Ain. The 12-hectare urban development was conceived as a “micro-specific, compact, and passive sustainable urban oasis.” Inspired by the existing natural environment and the traditional dense urban fabric of Islamic cities, the master plan develops an “environmental synergy between landscape and urbanity.” More about the master plan after the break.