Architecture Walking Tour

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is the main tertiary referral hospital for the communities of Sheikh Shakhbout City and the wider Al Dhafra region. It is also the primary trauma centre for the entire Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which accounts for 75% of the area of the United Arab Emirates. Both reputationally and physically, SSMC is the 2020 transformation of the ‘70s-era Mafraq Hospital. In every element of its design, SSMC embodies this new-century purpose—in its architecture, its facilities, its sustainability—while building upon Mafraq’s last-century legacy as the center for the most advanced health care. The new, state-of-the art 732-bed general hospital owned by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) spans nearly 300,000 m2 across 2B+G+11 stories. It brings to the UAE its first ever advanced burn treatment facility and its largest ICU-specialized medical ward (132 ICU beds). The energy-conscious and forward-looking facility offers a new experience for medical staff and patients—a new standard for modern healing environments.

Sheikh Zayed Bridge

MC2 - Masdar City

MC2- Masdar City is an innovative workplace campus that has been carved by nature and made for people. We set out to create an attitude, a way to work, a movement - more than office architecture. What followed is an office community that places wellness and sustainability at the center of every element. The MC2 design is defined by the Masdar City vision - vibrant, connected to light, air and renewable energy, sheltered from the sun, cooled by the winds, authentic, earthy, and a place to push the boundaries of sustainable workplace design. The masterplan of MC2 combines the ‘Masdar Building Grid’ and the ‘Environmental Grid’ to shape a rich design scheme of wind catches that channel cooling breezes through the public realm to combat the harsh desert conditions. The design combines the latest of renewable technologies and façade design with tried and tested passive methods found in the traditional Arabic cities of the past such as massing that is compactly spaced in plan and stepped in section to optimize self shading, direct sunlight and thermal comfort. MC2- Masdar City will continue to add to Masdar’s impressive collection of projects and will become the new benchmark for sustainable office communities in the Middle East.

IHC office

The IHC HQ is located in Abu Dhabi, nestled between residential neighborhoods and overlooking a serene river, a vision of architectural innovation and sustainable design takes shape. This visionary project, spanning a vast plot of 32,675 square meters, seeks to redefine the concept of an office building. This is where work seamlessly integrates with nature, promoting community, health, and sustainability. At the core of the concept lies the idea of harmonizing the office environment with the surrounding landscape. The site, divided into two parcels, presents a unique opportunity to create a symbiotic relationship between built structures and natural elements. The main focus area is dedicated to the office building, meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Surrounded by residential buildings, the office structure rises as a beacon of modernity while respecting the scale and character of its neighborhood. Its sleek facade system reflects the shimmering waters of the adjacent river, creating a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. Complementing the office building are vibrant green parks and communal spaces, strategically interspersed throughout the site. These lush oases provide employees with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction, fostering a sense of community within the workplace. But what truly sets it apart is its dedication to promoting an active lifestyle. A network of cycling tracks, intricately woven throughout the site, encourages employees to embrace sustainable modes of transportation. The cycling track not only connects various parts of the project but also serves as a unifying element, tying the entire development together in a cohesive and functional manner. Central to the design approach is the concept of the promenade. Elevated above the bustling streets below, the rooftop promenade offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle. The rooftop is used as slow circulation to remind us to slowdown in the fast-paced industry while also promoting sustainability. Workers can unwind, engage in physical activity, or simply enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while having direct access to the rooftop from various terraces. Moreover, the promenade serves as a social and communal space, hosting outdoor events, exhibitions, and gatherings. Whether it's a yoga session at dawn or a sunset picnic with colleagues, the promenade fosters a sense of belonging and well-being among employees. Incorporating sustainable design principles, it maximizes natural light and ventilation, and utilizes green building materials. Rainwater harvesting systems, slow circulation, and green roofs further minimize the project's environmental footprint, setting a new standard for eco-conscious architecture in the region. More than just a workplace, it embodies a vision of a sustainable future where nature and technology coexist in harmony. With its innovative design, vibrant community spaces, and commitment to wellness, the IHC HQ redefines the modern office experience, inspiring creativity, productivity, and well-being for generations to come.

Broadway at The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The outlet is at the Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi, but was conceived as a stand-alone bar and restaurant adjacent to the main Palace Hotel’s Theatre which is connected by a courtyard arrival. The narrative therefore draws upon the New York Theatre district. New York has many re-purposed warehouse buildings, we have used one of these 1920’s warehouses to become the home of our Bar and Brasserie, allowing us to have a multi-layered industrial building with a purpose built elegant interior experience. The warehouse is now occupied by a European chef who has a passion for brewing beer on site, with the vats and barrels and cases on show and surround the guest as they journey through the many interior experiences and spaces. The entrance has signage on fire escape steel structures, the cat walks above you as you enter compress space, and the main Bar has a huge brass barrel suspended within the gantry display shelving. We have a tasting bar behind the DJ stand, and a raised lounge seating bar corner adjacent, a series of booths accessed via the bar back of house. Beyond which we enter a brick built vaulted called the Cellar, this space can be used as a private lounge. There are ghost art depictions of theatrical productions on the walls and ceilings. The Cellar has access to an outside terrace overlooking the sea. The columns throughout the project have ghost artwork painted onto slip bricks which depict 1920’s Broadway street scenes.

Flaminggo Visitor Center

The concept of the building is two ramps with a a single starting point and evolving into a floor and a roof, which shape the overall building. Under the floor slabs there is a sun shaded world for cars, pedestrians and small wildlife created to enhance the swampy garden. On top of it, the permanently accessible rooftop opens the scenic view overlooking Al Wathba wetland reserve. The mostly shadowed space below the building is designed as a tranquil garden where visitors can linger to enjoy the shade and the views. The front part of the garden is used to park your car in the shade, get dropped off by a taxi using the one-way road on site or start walking up the ramp to the building. As you start to walk up the wheelchair accessible ramp, you can take a left to continue to the first level, or proceed straight and take a right, walking up to the roof. The garden and roof can always be accessed, even during closure hours. After reaching the shadowed main entrance and entering the front door you will find the reception desk on your left and the toilet core on your right. The main desk becomes the gift shop in its middle, and the bar + kitchen at its end. In the far right of the building you will find the auditorium behind a glass inner wall. This wall is used as the display area, describing the bird species in the Al Wathba nature reserve. The recessed floor of the auditorium is the stage for the speaker, behind whom the reserve views are opening. The café on the far left provides for indoor and outdoor spots to sit. The terrace, where you can choose to sit in the shadow or the sun, is directed towards the major view of the reserve. The two ramps are structurally supported by black ‘sticks’. Executed as randomly placed and angled concrete filled steel tubes they will give the visitors a sense of being a bird in the reed. The façade is a simple glass curtain between the two concrete ramp-slabs. The only closed volume in the building is the toilet core, structurally connecting the two slabs, taking away any torque in the main structure. The top of the toilet core hides an ample room for all HVAC systems. The spiral stair serves as an additional means of secondary roof/building access, garden/building access and emergency exit. The ramps and floors are made of sustainable recycled reinforced concrete. Part of the roof is covered with solar panels providing enough energy for the HVAC of the building. The interior fixed furniture is made of local Acacia wood. The garden below doubles as a rainwater buffer. Flamingo visitor center provides a place for anyone; it’s the perfect hangout spot at the edge of nature.

Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

We directed a landmark project for the UAE: the design and construction of the prestigious new Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. Established in Abu Dhabi, right at the heart of the city’s diplomatic district, this facility was conceived to support the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry through the education of young diplomats and government leaders. The Academy now serves as the nation’s key institution for developing the UAE’s future representatives. As a facility meant to cultivate the representation of the UAE’s national interests, it was important that the design be rooted in Arab tradition and culture. This led to the creation of an introverted building, with the play of outer opacity and internal transparency serving as a major motif. At the same time, nurturing the relationships necessary for diplomacy requires an openess to the world. This characteristic has been expressed through the large, welcoming glazed portals on either side of the cubic form, as well as the proliferation of communal and collaborative spaces, and the site’s borderless integration into its surroundings. The building’s envelope has been designed to combat the harsh elements of the regional climate, while also representing the nation’s strength. Robust, solid shaping defines the silhouette. Simplicity of form can be seen in the cubic mass housing both classrooms and offices for staff and faculty. Three portions of the mass extend outward, continuing the solidarity of the building’s shape. Concerns of sustainability are addressed via the double skin façade. A high-performance glazing system acts as a first defense against solar heat gain, doubled by an outer skin of perforated aluminum screens. These panels diffuse sunlight throughout the interior, without obstructing views. Each side of the building is encapsulated by different panel fold patterns, creating a unique rhythm of shadow and light that evolves throughout the day. Installations such as this and a rooftop garden have helped the building achieve a 2 Pearl Estidama sustainability rating. The site neighbors numerous embassies that are all fenced completely. Aiming to create a more welcoming and connected landmark, the Academy’s site forgoes a boundary wall entirely, instead using native landscaping to delineate property borders. This effort has made the immediate area feel far more approachable. To foster intellectual work and high level of concentration, the interior’s design needed to embody complete serenity. Bold minimalism and an abundance of natural light offer clarity for the mind, drawing upon soothing linear patterns and materials that maximize illuminative penetration. Entry finds a central atrium that is expansive and well-lit, connecting every level. Wood-clad staircases wrap around the perimeter, encouraging movement. The main staircase widens near the student lounge to accommodate open gatherings. In the main auditorium, lighting, color, and texture all draw the eye toward the speaker’s stage. Students are given ample options for study spaces at all levels of privacy. Each of these areas offers complete flexibility via modification. Through these thoughtful layouts and specifications, the Academy’s interior caters to occupant comfort and optimizes potential for both teaching and learning.

Helix Tower

HELIX: A new typology in vertical habitats that fosters enhanced engagement with nature’s elements. Helix has a most naturally appropriate geometry. With an aim to create a new model for vertical inhabitation that affords a greater and enhanced connectivity with all the elements: plants, earth, water and air and cosmic forces like the Sun. The Helix - Ascent of Holistic Habitats. The design solution is an elegant tall cylindrical building with wrap around balconies that offer 360-degree views and peripheral planters that hold 1000 cubic feet of soil at each level and create substantial biomass to generate oxygen for its inhabitants. These garden apartments also have two large cantilevered decks projecting beyond the 13 feet balcony line and are shifted 12 degrees clockwise on each subsequent floor creating a helical stairs effect all around the tower. Helical in form and essence, this new typology in vertical living, has 45 floors offers a sweeping 360° view of the surroundings; outdoor living for all seasons; a set of terraces with outdoor gym, Jacuzzi, lounge; a lounge at the top 3 levels with a gym, a library, an observatory that shall offer breath-taking views of the night sky; and a 5 level club at the lower levels with state of art lifestyle amenities. The helical theme is also continued in the landscape where a four-floor high cascade pool is arranged in a spiral geometry. The sight and sound of cascading pool becomes the defining entry experience of this unique new typology of residential habitats.

Masdar Net Zero Mosque

The Masdar Net Zero Mosque was envisioned not simply as a building, but as a spatial journey — a gradual transition from the mundane to the sacred, guided by light, shade, and atmosphere. Inspired by the concept of gradual descent in Islamic architecture, the project unfolds as a sequence of thresholds that bring worshippers closer to the mihrab, while simultaneously enhancing thermal comfort through passive environmental strategies. Along this path, spirituality and sustainability move in parallel. This is the first mosque within Masdar City, and its design carries both symbolic and technical weight. Located at the heart of a city known for pioneering sustainable urbanism, the mosque stands as a landmark of spiritual and environmental ambition. It is also the first mosque in the UAE to achieve Net Zero Energy certification from the Living Future Institute, generating 100% of its energy needs through on-site renewable sources integrated into its architectural fabric. The mosque draws architectural and environmental inspiration from Al-Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the UAE. Vernacular strategies — thick earthen walls, passive ventilation, minimal openings — are reinterpreted here in a contemporary language. Thermal mass regulates temperature naturally; courtyards and shaded arcades channel breezes and soften sunlight. Every design choice contributes to both environmental performance and spiritual experience. The built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As the industry undergoes one of its greatest transformations toward net zero, buildings like this demonstrate that tradition and innovation are not at odds — they are allies. Through careful passive design and low-energy systems, the Masdar Net Zero Mosque drastically reduces its operational impact while offering a quiet, temperate space for worship, reflection, and community. This mosque is a prototype — the first of its kind in Masdar City, and the first Net Zero Energy Mosque in the Emirates. It represents a profound synthesis, between environmental ethics and spiritual practice, between advanced technology and ancient wisdom, and ultimately, between faith and thermal comfort.

PresentedBy Abu Dhabi

Avolta and PresentedBy debut their Travel Retail partnership with a striking new store at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Designed by Barcelona-based architecture and design studio External Reference, the space reimagines the travel retail experience through an immersive, sensory-driven concept. Inspired by the calming morphology of water, the store is conceived as a modern oasis in the fast-paced environment of the airport. A digital waterfall welcomes travelers at the entrance, marking the transition from chaos to calm. Inside, 3D-printed panels form fluid, geometric structures reminiscent of cascading water, while integrated LED strips create a sense of motion and energy. At the center, a tall column mimics a fountain, topped by a digital ring that simulates animated water particles. Sustainability is central to the project. The panels are made of post-industrial recycled PET-G (PIPG), a durable, environmentally friendly material. The additive 3D printing process ensures zero material waste, and the store is designed to be disassembled, allowing components to be reused or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle. With its innovative design and strong sustainability ethos, the new PresentedBy location offers more than just shopping; it delivers a memorable, responsible experience that reflects the future of retail.

Atoll Island

Atoll Island. "A Serene Oasis Embracing the Coral Splendor" A captivating architectural marvel that pays homage to the breathtaking beauty of the coral atoll. Nestled amidst the enchanting sands of Abu Dhabi, this luxury resort stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of innovation, natural wonders, and the essence of desert life. Drawing inspiration from the mesmerizing coral rim that encircles a tranquil lagoon, Abu Dhabi Island offers a sanctuary that harmonizes with its surroundings. Its very name whispers tales of grandeur and tranquillity, evoking the allure of this desert oasis. Embracing sustainability as its core principle, Abu Dhabi Island weaves environmentally conscious practices throughout its fabric. The project is driven by a commitment to integrate sustainable strategies from conception to construction. A comprehensive and holistic development process ensures that sustainability remains at the forefront of every decision, overseen jointly by the visionary Owner and Design Team. The villas of Atoll Island embody the essence of sustainable luxury. Each facet is meticulously designed to achieve optimal performance and operational efficiency. Stringent compliance with sustainability measures involves rigorous system verification and envelope testing, guaranteeing that design intent is met flawlessly. Custom-made cladding systems undergo meticulous off-site testing, standard products possess pre-testing certificates, and the building envelope is subjected to thorough scrutiny by Competent Professionals, ensuring water tightness and superior air performance. Communication is vital to the ethos of Atoll Island. Occupant handbooks provide comprehensive information on maintenance requirements and behavioural practices that contribute to reduced energy and water consumption, as well as waste generation. Residents are empowered with knowledge, actively participating in the journey toward sustainable living. A sophisticated occupant feedback system, equipped with digital interfaces and smart meters, fosters a symbiotic relationship between inhabitants and the environment. Within the framework of Estidama, guided by the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, Atoll Island emerges as an emblem of sustainable development. It proudly aligns with the esteemed Pearl Rating System, symbolizing a commitment to environmentally conscious design and operation. The resort epitomizes the harmonious integration of buildings, communities, and villas, contributing to the broader vision of Abu Dhabi's sustainable future. Atoll Island invites you to immerse yourself in a serene oasis, where architectural magnificence intertwines with the splendour of corals. Experience the perfect union of opulence and ecological preservation, as the island embraces its natural shape and weaves a tapestry that honours both the desert's embrace and the ethereal beauty of the coral reefs. Welcome to Atoll Island, where tranquillity meets sustainability in perfect harmony.

Qasr Al Hosn: Al Musallah

Al Hosn, in downtown Abu Dhabi, is the original urban block of the city. A place for prayer, its Musalla is a terraform architecture which plays a subservient role to the adjacent significant heritage structures. Inspired by geometric shapes, naturally formed when the compacted desert salt plains crack from intense heat, the Musalla architecture utilises these forms to house irregular shaped enclosures associated with the sequence of prayer. The building is anchored into the coastal desert landscape and semi-submerged in a reflecting pool of water. Delicate glass bridges connect the inward-looking spaces and enable users to obtain glimpses of the surrounds. The Al Hosn site is a major reference point to the history of Abu Dhabi, telling the story of the city, its people, their history and modernity. It comprises two major iconic structures: Qasr Al Hosn (the oldest structure in Abu Dhabi, historic home of the ruling family and seat of government) and The Cultural Foundation (the emirate’s cultural centre, with library, theatre and exhibition spaces). Within the site-wide plan, the Musalla is designed to be a humble yet pivotal component of Al Hosn’s cultural and architectural ensemble. The brief for the master planning of the site was to ensure that the two major heritage buildings were conserved and protected for the appreciation of present and future generations. Their preservation should enable the understanding of their role in the development of Emirati society and their significance as anchors of traditional values. The concept not only aimed to conserve and restore building fabric but to also reinstate the context in which these buildings were historically set. This provides an immediate appreciation of Qasr Al Hosn’s relationship with the land and its vernacular origins, and The Cultural Foundation’s relationship with the modern city. The Musalla is a sculptural, terraform architecture which respectfully plays a subservient role to the aforementioned significant structures of Traditional and Modern heritage. It is designed to harmonise with the coastal desert landscape that has been reinstated around Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, to place Qasr Al Hosn once again in its proper context of a flat, sanded plain. The architecture is inspired by geometric shapes, known as ‘Voronoi’. These shapes are naturally formed when the compacted desert salt plains crack under intense heat. The Musalla is a cluster of these ‘Voronoi’ shapes, with each element housing a different element associated with the sequence of prayer. The Entrance Hall, Ablution Rooms, and Prayer Halls are all contained within these nature-inspired enclosures. Poetically, the building is partly anchored into the landscape and semi-submerged in a reflecting pool of water, in the direction of prayer. Delicate glass bridges connect each of the inward-looking spaces and enable visitors to obtain oblique glimpses of the landscape to provide a sense of place. The interiors are designed for privacy, with light only entering into the space through stalactite-like roof lights. These features filter daylight onto the board-marked concrete walls and reflective ‘tombak’ finishes. The external pool of water enters the building’s entrance hall to mediate the transition between external heat and humidity and the conditioned environment, whilst also creating a bridge between the entrance and ablution spaces. Planters and seats are also formed in smaller ‘Voronoi’ shapes, enabling users to physically engage with the building’s architectural language. The landscape which surrounds the Musalla is an extension of the building’s architectural language. A series of solid ‘stone cliffs’ surround it, creating a transition between building and context. All these structures are made of cast, in-situ, pigmented concrete that has been carefully selected to harmonise with the natural sandscape of Abu Dhabi island’s historic coastline.

Shams Central Mosque

Aplomb - Reviving from Desert

The Mega Dunes Eco Lodges “Ecodunes” is a luxurious desert retreat situated at the Arabian Oryx Protected Area, home to the largest population of Arabian Oryx in the world, spanning over 5,900 square kilometers. The protected area is part of the Empty Quarter famously, a vast desert region in the southern region of the United Arab Emirates bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman. The world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass will blow visitors away with massive expanses of awesome desert and enormous dunes. Ecodunes imagines a constellation of architecture placed on a vast terrain. Using the existing topography, the Lodges were put in place in the middle of the desert following a pathway forming the Perseus Constellation, named after the Greek hero and protector. In connection, Ecodunes were designed to protect visitors from the extreme desert environment and desert animals. To enjoy the scenic vista, observation decks with binoculars were provided along the pathway. These decks represent the major stars forming the constellation. The lodges were placed 40-50 meters away from the pathway to give visitors a sense of privacy. The architecture of Ecodunes is simple yet extremely sensitive to the desert environment, taking its design inspiration notably from the magnificent, windswept, and rippled dunes. The design of Ecodunes follows a crescent dune, the most common and fastest-type of dunes. It forms the shape of a crescent moon when the wind blows from one direction. The idea was to create Ecodunes as one with the surrounding, giving a sense of belonging and connectivity with the existing landscape. The design of the interior spaces also took its inspiration from the natural shape of the sand-dunes. Mega Dunes Eco Lodges comprises of 25 lodges strategically placed across the protected area. 5 of which are VIP lodges. It also features a reception hub, an amphitheater, and an observatory building for arriving visitors. Each lodge accommodates guests and provides a degree of comfort in which to view the striking natural landscape, observe the Arabian Oryx up close, and gaze at the spectacular views of the Milky Way that can be enjoyed facing through south due to the desert’s low light pollution. Since desert temperature tends to reach over 40°C during summer months, some desert animals burrow below the surface of the sand to escape the high temperatures at the desert surface. The burrow environment is much more moderate than is the surface temperature, which may have an annual fluctuation of between 9.5°C and 71°C. Therefore, the design for the interior was taken into great consideration. As a result, interior floors were dropped by 450 mm from ground level, and local stone and concrete construction were used to deal with the extreme desert weather conditions even at night and/or during the winter season. Powering up the whole development is the solar farm located in the northern part of the site. It uses the sun to create enough energy to ensure the lodges are entirely self-sustained. The electricity generated is then used to power a series of air-conditioning and water recycling systems to ensure the lodges positively affect the environment.

The Founders Memorial

Project Overview The Ministry of Presidential Affairs established a permanent tribute, a monumental dynamic three-dimensional public artwork portrait to honor the founding father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The artwork publicly named as “The Constellation” designed by Ralph Helmick (Helmick Sculpture), consists of 1,110 stainless steel cables to hold 1,327 platonic solid shapes, weighing 250 tons. The total built up area of the project development is 510,155 Sq. Ft. including the Pavilion building which supports the artwork and is approximately 100 feet tall (30 meters), plaza area with 239,920 Sq. Ft., Sanctuary Garden, Heritage Garden, Elevated Walkway, and the Welcome Center which showcases the history and photos of the late Sheikh Zayed. Conceptual Genesis by Ralph Helmick An abiding aspect of HH Sheikh Zayed’s character was his deep relationship with the natural world. Constellation is inspired by this relationship. The design stems from an assumption that the young Sheikh Zayed spent countless nights in the dessert gazing at the stars. Imagine the night sky in the Liwa Desert before the advent of an electrical grid. Stars fill the heavens. Galaxies are clearly observable. Constellations reveal themselves with the force of clarity. This monument embodies the constellation of HH Sheikh Zayed himself and incorporates a perceptual dynamic in which his image – and by implication his legacy – reveals itself dynamically over distance. Gazing at stars can lead to many things. A sense of perspective is one of them. Legacy In 2018 the United Arab Emirates inaugurated the Founders Memorial and celebrated the entire year as the Year of Zayed. This was to commemorate the 100th year of his birthdate. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has proclaimed the year 2019 to be the "The Year of Tolerance" in the UAE, highlighting the UAE as a global capital for tolerance, and emphasizing tolerance as a universal concept and a sustainable institutional endeavor through legislation and policies aimed at entrenching the values of tolerance, dialogue, coexistence and openness to different cultures, especially amongst youth, which will reflect positively on society as a whole. “Instilling values of tolerance carries on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and teachings. It is one of the most important attributes that we can impact on our people and the global community to ensure the safety, stability and happiness of people across the world.” – H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan The Year of Tolerance embodies the approach adopted by the UAE since its establishment to be a bridge of communication between the people of the world and their various cultures, in an environment of openness and respect that rejects extremism and promotes coexistence. The Founders Memorial development has served as a prominent backdrop for significant events such as Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, signing a Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, during a Global Conference on the topic in Abu Dhabi. We believe this project symbolizes global hope for a better world. The development and its spectacular centerpiece artwork is open to the public to experience a time of reflection, legacy, and a strong vision for a bright future.

Nasayem

Drawing from the client’s Bedouin heritage, Nasayem—an Arabic term meaning "gentle winds"—is a private residence that reinterprets nomadic traditions through a contemporary lens, blending cultural reverence with environmental sensitivity. Inspired by the resilience, adaptability, and artisanal legacy of desert tribes, the design harmonises communal gathering with intimate retreat, creating a sanctuary that balances connection and solitude. 500 metres from the ocean, Nasayem is blessed by the constant and ever present breeze of Saadiyat Island. In the context of the windswept desert, our concept, Tales of Wind, is an architectural approach that recognizes wind not as an external force to resist, but as a co-creator in the built environment. Here, architecture becomes a medium through which natural forces, human presence, and memory converge. Wind shapes surrounding landscape as well as the function of dwellings, informing spatial orientation, and material. Tales of Wind proposes an architecture of responsiveness, where design is informed by listening: to the land, to the air, and to those who dwell within. It is a built environment shaped not only by intention, but by memory, use, and the constant, creative force of the wind. The ground floor layers social spaces—kitchen, dining, lounge, and playroom—with access to outdoor areas. Above, the first floor prioritises privacy, housing the master suite, children’s rooms, and a secluded office-atelier. A curved design language flows throughout, softening the space and creating fluidity within the circulation. The interior draws materiality directly from the desert landscape—neutral, natural, and quietly expressive. Surfaces are finished in powdery, matte textures that evoke weathered stone and sun-bleached sand. Neutral plasters, raw timber, and natural stones create a grounded palette that feels both elemental and enduring. Material choices emphasize tactility and softness within a minimalist framework. Fabrics are lightweight, woven from natural fibres in shades of clay, and bone, reflecting the layered tones of desert terrain. Handmade teak latticework screens—inspired by Bedouin geometric motifs and a modern intepretation of mashrabiya screens—define thresholds between public and private realms while allowing residents to modulate transparency and airflow. This creates a home that breathes, responding to the climate and personal needs. Beyond their practical role, the screens serve as a tactile reminder of Abu Dhabi’s architectural heritage—where structures once responded poetically to the desert—now reimagined through a lens of cross-cultural dialogue and environmental sustainability. At the heart of Nasayem lies a double-height central courtyard, echoing the principles of traditional Islamic architecture. This focal point invites contemplation and reflection, while the open mezzanine above establishes visual and spatial connections, both vertically and horizontally. Above, an extensive skylight expands the space while allowing sunlight to spill softly into the home. Nasayem is a testament to sensory storytelling, where light, wind, and heritage converge. It is a retreat that honours its roots while embracing a living narrative of place, memory, and the gentle persistence of the desert’s breath.

Masdar City Central Park, Phase 1

Following a successful design competition entry, AECOM was commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company - Masdar to develop a concept design for a strategically and centrally-placed outdoor park located in a mixed-use area in one of the world’s most sustainable communities, Masdar City. Masdar City is 12km east of Abu Dhabi and upon the development’s completion, it will be home to around 50,000 residents and will offer approximately 40,000 jobs. Phase one of the park was originally intended to serve the residential area ‘as an extension of their home’, however, the park has evolved towards higher aspirations. The client and project team are both aware of the park’s potential to create a dynamic equilibrium comprising community, diversity, education, and innovation, inspired by local and regional cultural influences. The client’s overarching goal is to achieve a ‘4 Pearl Community Rating’ under the DMT’s Estidama PCRS rating system, in addition to incorporating Masdar City’s self-developed public realm KPIs to further enhance sustainability. These requirements include; ecological enhancements where 70% of plant material is native and adaptive, drought and/or salt-tolerant, public realm lighting with a minimum of 70% energy consumption coming from renewable resources, compliance to shading targets and smart irrigation. The Central Park at Masdar has been designed to reinforce Masdar City’s public realm principles that encompass the themes; liveable community, environment, natural systems, outdoor comfort, water conservation, and urban systems. The park’s layout resolves the integration of open space with existing buildings Materials selected aligned with the city’s sustainable vision and were regionally available. Materials used have a minimum SRI value of 29 and they help mitigate the urban heat island effect. The innovative sustainability elements are the most notable within the park. The Fog Harvesting Tower features state-of-the-art technology that captures water through a fog harvester which is then reused for irrigation, feeding the urban farming areas. To aid to the thermal comfort of the park, the design has been shaped to capture prevailing winds from the north-west directions and then disperse cooling winds throughout the development. In addition, phase one has achieved 90% shading over playgrounds and 80% shading for primary pathways. Visitors can flow through a network of connective paths with the main pathway featuring a multipurpose shade canopy of photovoltaic panels that collect sun energy to light the park, contributing towards a net-zero resources aspiration. Further sustainability features include; the collection of organic, green-cut, and biodegradable waste for onsite landscaping, the inclusion of 70% native and adaptive drought, and salt-tolerant plants, and the implementation of a comprehensive water strategy minimizing water consumption such as leak detection and improved irrigation practices. The park irrigation demand is 2L/m2/day. Another key design element is how the UAE’s heritage is represented within the park. Cultural references and stories that honor Sheikh Zayed are engraved throughout the park in story-telling areas and trails to engages visitors. Masdar Central Park is a unique park intertwining values of sustainability, culture and wellbeing addressed together through one holistic landscape design.

Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn is Abu Dhabi Island’s oldest and most significant building, incorporating the city’s first permanent structure, a coral and sea stone watchtower, and comprising two iconic buildings: The Inner Fort (c1795) and The Outer Palace (1939-45). Over the centuries it has been home to the ruling family, the seat of governance, a consultative council and a national archive, physically encapsulating the development of Abu Dhabi from a settlement reliant on fishing and pearling to a modern metropolis. Following nine years of intensive conservation, Qasr Al Hosn has been restored as a national monument and transformed into a museum. The repair, restoration and revitalisation of Qasr Al Hosn has aimed to preserve the historic fabric of the individual buildings and to provide a regulatory framework for the future management and use of the block. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi conceived the concept design for Qasr Al Hosn, carefully conserving each element of the building’s architectural ensemble to its era of origin. This approach of making the evolution of building legible, and also the authenticity of the historic fabric readily identifiable, relied heavily on physical investigations and archival research undertaken over an extensive period of time. This research enabled the conservation works to illustrate the intelligence of traditional building techniques in creating a habitable dwelling in a hot, arid coastal desert environment from a limited palette of materials. The concept not only aimed to conserve and restore the building fabric but to also reinstate the historic coastal desert context in which the building was historically set. This provides an immediate appreciation of Qasr Al Hosn’s relationship with the land and its vernacular origins. The walls of Qasr Al Hosn were originally constructed from coral and sea stone, which was bedded and rendered with a traditional lime, sand and sea shell paste known as Jus Bahar (Mortar of the Beach). As this compound was made from the white sand from the nearby shore line, the walls would sparkle in the sunlight, leading Qasr Al Hosn to be known as the White Fort. The ceilings and floors were originally constructed using mangrove poles (Chandel) and layers of woven matting (Hasera) from palm fronds (Areesh). This floor structure was then layered with stone rubble then compacted and finished with burnt lime, clay, straw and a compound called Sarooj. The flat, coastal desert landscape that once naturally surrounded its fortified walls served to make Qasr Al Hosn a highly visible structure within the historic settlement of Abu Dhabi. The buffer space created around the Fort by the reinstatement of this natural landscape provides a respectful setting for this significant heritage building, acting architecturally in a similar way to the placement of a precious artefact on a podium or plinth. The Architectural reinstatement of this context enables visitors to appreciate the building’s vernacular origins, its magnitude, majesty and the imposing relationship it once had as the protector of the historic settlement. Throughout the conservation process, Qasr Al Hosn has been identified as a ‘Living Memorial’. A physical timeline of the story of Abu Dhabi, political, social and economic developments are all highly evident within its Architecture. Its surrounding landscape and courtyard enclosures provide an appropriate cultural setting which serves to encourage the sharing of historic quotidian memories, traditions and experiences. These spaces are restored to encourage conversations which in turn serve to preserve and transmit precious intangible memories from generation to generation of Emiratis as well as to travelers who will journey onwards with greater knowledge and appreciation of the culture of these lands.

The Landmark (Abu Dhabi)

Mixed-use in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Al Fay Park

A new kind of urban park has seen the light of day in the UAE. Gone are the water-consuming and soulless ‘Las Vegas landscapes’ of the past. Enter Al Fay Park – a new 27,500 m2 public park in downtown Abu Dhabi that signals a new kind of Middle Eastern city development: Driven by inclusive nature rather than iconic buildings. Al Fay Park is the Mid-East’s first urban biodiversity park. With its biodiverse planting, optimized microclimate strategy, and inclusive social activities, the park is a paradigm shift in how to design and implement nature in the region’s dense megacities. Biological, environmental and social benefits Al Fay Park is constructed on barren sand in downtown Abu Dhabi. The park is specifically designed to provide both biological, environmental and social benefits to the city and its residents: By planting more than 2,000 native trees and bushes, biodiversity is strengthened for both plants and wildlife, which in turn maximizes natural cooling throughout the park, thus enhancing the public realm and the social life. Because of the park’s high density of trees, its soil design, its irrigation using solely recirculated water, and its use of only native species, the park design not only ensures that Al Fay Park radically reduces its irrigation with 40 percent compared to conventional parks. The planting also attracts bees, pollinators, birds and animals, providing a lush and lively atmosphere in the middle of Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, the park’s microclimate design naturally reduces temperature, cleans air pollution, stops sand infiltration and lowers traffic noise to create the best possible ‘social ecosystem’ for play, sports and leisure. The optimized microclimate makes it possible to use Al Fay Park even during the UAE’s hot summer months (which is not normally possible). Its social activities include basketball, beach volley, soccer, playgrounds, fitness, climbing walls, minigolf, food trucks and informal outdoor seating areas for picnics with friends. A winding Forest Track allows for ‘secret’ and ‘wild’ nature experiences under the canopies – combining authentic ecosystems and natural habitats for wildlife with an open invitation for all to explore nature, interact with each other, and relax together in a peaceful, natural and serene setting. An interdisciplinary design and research approach The park design is devised through the designer’s inhouse biologists and planting experts’ yearlong research studies of the region’s unique nature and wildlife. A research published in the studio’s own internal plant book covering all the native plant species of the UAE, their optimal growing and living conditions, and how to integrate them into design. The extensive research has made it possiblr to we create a whole new paradigm for how to think and design public realm in the Middle East. Al Fay Park is a celebration of Abu Dhabi’s native nature and culture and a prime example of how to maximize climate action, increase life-quality, and radically improve the biodiversity of an entire city – all on a former sand site. All in all, Al Fay Park is a whole new way of co-thinking city, people and nature in the Mid-East. It is no coincidence that Al Fay Park is already known to Abu Dhabians as being both socially and climatically ‘the coolest place in town’.

Abrahamic Family House

The Abrahamic Family House is a collection of three religious spaces: a mosque, a church, and a synagogue—all of which sit upon a fourth secular space consisting of a Forum and raised garden. Officially inaugurated in February 2023, the Abrahamic Family House is a new center for learning, dialogue, and the practice of faith. The house serves as a community for inter-religious dialogue and exchange, nurturing the values of peaceful co-existence and acceptance among different beliefs, nationalities, and cultures. Within each house of worship, visitors can observe religious services, listen to holy scripture, and experience sacred rituals. The fourth space—not affiliated with any specific religion—serves as a Forum for all people to come together with the collective ambition to convene spatially, through courtyards, a central entrance, a library, and exhibition space; and interpersonally, through educational and event-based programming. The architectural form of each building—the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue—is translated from its respective faith, carefully using the lens to define what is similar, as opposed to what is different. Through the power of these revelations, the design emerges as powerful plutonic forms with a clear geometry: three cubes equal in volume (30 meters each dimension) nestled within a one-story plinth. The narrative of each religion unfolds through various scales—from structure to detail—and emerges through the elements of creation—water and light. Wrapped in off-white concrete that references the sand and mountains of the Emirates, the structures are illustrated with colonnades, screens, and vaults to represent their sacred natures, and each form is oriented towards religious references whilst sitting within a unifying garden of native vegetation. The three houses of worship display a clear visual harmony while unique in architectural articulation and orientation. The mosque features a façade of elongated columns and latticework mashrabiya, while the interior is defined by nine ascending vaults that orient visitors toward the mihrab. The church’s forest of columns symbolize rays of light, while timber battens cascade from the ceiling in a “shower of ecstatic redemption.” The synagogue’s V-shaped columns reference overlapping layers of palm fronds on the sukkah, and a bronze mesh tent suspended from a central skylight symbolizes the tent-like structure of the sukkah and original tabernacle. Each also includes a courtyard with water feature and ancillary spaces specific to its specific religious traditions and practices. The discovery continues with the common ground—the garden and public spaces in-between—which is used as a powerful metaphor, a safe space where community, connection, and civility combine. With access to each religious space’s courtyard, the Forum serves as a place of convergence, rather than divergence. The raised garden creates a viewing platform to take in all three religious structures, promoting a sense of harmony and interconnectivity whilst asserting their individualism. Punctuated by planters with regional vegetation and water features for cooling, the garden becomes a climate moderated space of communal respite that encourages the celebration of collective history and collective identity.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Art museum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Zayed National Museum

Museum from United Arab Emirates.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Planned architectural structure.

Nurai Island

Nurai Island, a 42-hectare oasis in the Arabian Gulf near Abu Dhabi, epitomizes premium comfort and architectural brilliance. Crafted by YODEZEEN, this retreat offers 53 private villas, apartments with skyline views, and opulent beach clubs. The architecture blends modern aesthetics with Arab motifs, providing a serene escape amidst pristine beaches and lush greenery. At the heart of Nurai Island is a circular event hall, inspired by desert dunes, symbolizing movement and energy. This bionic architecture integrates with the natural landscape, emphasizing sustainability. The island's design reflects a deep connection to nature, employing water as an integral architectural element. The spa complex showcases a waterfall within the building, creating a harmonious fusion of liquid artistry and minimalist design. The villas, apartments, and spa complex emphasize organic vitality in architecture, incorporating live plants into living ecosystems reminiscent of a tropical jungle. This commitment to natural materials and greenery extends beyond aesthetics, promoting environmental sustainability. Nurai Island's blend of modern design and environmental harmony sets an inspiring example for sustainable living, emphasizing the profound connection between architecture and the natural world.

BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

Spiritual Vision: A monument in the Middle East… RSP’s project, the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi is the first of its kind throughout the entire gulf. Commemorating 2019’s year of tolerance, RSP’s project marks one of the two major milestones achieved by the UAE within the year (Pope Francis’ visit being the other), that will be remembered forever, as the celebrated unity between Islam and Hinduism. BAPS Hindu Mandir, is a monumental tribute upon Abu Dhabi’s sand, a place where all people, can come together in harmonic unity. Spiritual Oasis within the arid desert: With seven buildings surrounding a pre designed, hand carved stone Temple shipped from India… RSP envisions a complex showcasing the narrative of encountering a tranquil and enchanting oasis, secluded within mountainous, monolithic rock formations that contrast the barren desert sands of the UAE. RSP’s concept aims to reflect and allude the two identities of a Hindu temple (symbolizing spiritual nourishment), and a desert oasis (symbolizing physical nourishment); to project the idea, of a Mandir complex that provides both unified forms of sustenance, embodying the combined harmonic fusion of the physical and astral realms. Symbolism of Water: Representative of India’s holiest rivers, RSP designed 3 rivers that flow into the Mandir complex’s oasis, empowering and purifying the project’s spiritual essence; and thus, pays an homage to the significant importance of water in Hinduism. RSP further highlights the sanctity of water through the emulated concept of the stepwells and Ghats in the complex’s design to highlight the two directions of worship: water (descending worship) and the temple (ascending worship). RSP envisions, that through these contrasting ideologies, the complex creates a convergence point, fusing the forces of the temple and water in a resonating, harmonic balance; that strengthens the idea that the Mandir is a special node, transcending conflict, and a space of tranquil peace and serenity. Interpretation of ancient Indian Architecture: As an abstracted interpretation of ancient Indian Architecture, RSP designs the temple complex to emulate many powerful meanings and ideologies, reflective of the spirit of Hinduism, to strengthen the project’s link to its origins. Thus, aiding in their intent to create a meaningful community hub that reconnects the Hindus around UAE to one another, and back to their homeland and roots of their religion. Showcasing the richness of Hinduism’s culture and prosperity, RSP represents the intricate patterns of ancient Hindu temples through the many detailed engravings infused into elements around the complex. At the same time, RSP abstracts the many layers of friezes that adorn Hindu temples; emulating the same richness through horizontal bands that surround the complex’s monolithic façade. The horizontal bands is also designed as a transitioning medium, blending the contrasting languages between the architecture, the desert’s dunes and the temple in a continuous and fluid movement. Through this, RSP presents the notion of the temple complex being able to coexist and flow across the land, bringing harmony and uniting all through the spiritual language of Hinduism. Visitors Experience: Recreated in a modern way, RSP also designs a traditional parikrama surrounding the temple in a tranquil enclosure, creating an enriching 360 degree experience of the temple’s view, to reflect the notion that Hinduism revolves around everyday life. Engaging its visitors in an enriching journey, the BAPS Hindu Mandir with its complex design, excites the senses as people traverse the complex and soak in the spirit of Hinduism, experiencing its aura of enlightenment. Hence, RSP’s project, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a prestigious cultural & community project, fulfills the long awaited needs of the Hindu community in the UAE - A place of worship, reflective of their heart and soul, allowing them to feel at home upon a foreign desert land; while at the same time, remains a worldwide attraction, that would invite all, to witness its splendor and magnificence.