Abu Dhabi Community Center and Plaza

Despite the urban boom in Abu Dhabi, there is still noticeable lack of community spaces dedicated to the local residents. This project addresses this problem through the design of a community center which provides an environment where people from all ages can have cultural and leisure activities in the heart of Abu Dhabi Khalidiya Area. It supports the activities of the local residents as well as a wide range of educational and recreational programs. The scheme is designed to encourage young people to experience the building in creative and innovative ways.

Context and Content:
Located in downtown Abu Dhabi the scheme sits near the popular Capital Garden which is one of the biggest public gardens in Abu Dhabi. The project consists of a building/envelope that houses a community center in addition to an interactive public plaza. The building’s main spaces include meeting spaces, workshops, exhibitions, a public gallery, library, as well as a gymnasium and a performance venue. Furthermore, the project provides a number of studios.

Formal considerations; Undulating envelope:
The concept behind the project was to design an undulating architectural envelope. The structure is twisted in a way that transitions from a solid white volume to a light perforated surface. The surface provides space underneath for a shaded public plaza.

Sustainable considerations:
In the context of the hot climate of the UAE, the building is positioned in a way to protect from the Eastern sun. The design addresses shading solutions and passive design, as well as provides possibilities for more outdoor activities despite the heat. The form was also designed in a way to welcome the prevailing winds coming towards the public plaza and into the building for cross ventilation. The integration of water elements was important to keep the microclimate of the building cool and helps in making the public plaza even more welcoming to visitors.

Abu Dhabi Community Center and Plaza by Merna Khaled in United Arab Emirates won the WA Award Cycle 29. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.