TFP proposed a masterplan relating to an 82,000-square-metre, mixed-use development, comprising a 20-storey commercial tower and a hotel of a similar height. Both are part of the new Tamani Arts chain of offices and hotels, which has a dominating arts theme and a vision that its properties, particularly its hotels, should have a strong sense of the local culture in order to ground the visitor firmly in place.

The designs of the buildings themselves are inspired by visual arts such as calligraphy and are being developed in conjunction with local artists. Elegant and efficient, they are akin to glass boxes that seem to float above well-defined, two-storey podiums. The latter are wrapped in long, eye-catching “art screens,” which provide a delicate yet strong contrast to the towers. They also protect the buildings from the desert region’s strong sun and harsh light and give them an interesting silhouette at night.

The office tower acts as an accompaniment to the hotel and similarly incorporates associated arts features into its interiors such as locally derived artwork.

A large, pedestrianised central area is landscaped and contains working waterways connected to Business Bay’s canal network so that journeys to and from the Tamani Arts complex can be conducted by local-style boats known as abras.

2006