NEWS OMA’S MOMENT OF REFLECTION
New multi-purpose Dubai cultural venue with a glass and mirror facade
5
Concrete, a new venue in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, has been finished with a mix of polycarbonate cladding, as well as concrete, glass and mirror components. Located in Dubai’s Al Qouz industrial
area, Alserkal Avenue was founded in 2007 with the aim of promoting cultural initia- tives in the region and has since become Dubai’s most important art hub, with 25 galleries and art spaces. Concrete, designed by OMA, is a
1,250 m2 former warehouse that addresses
the district’s “growing need for a centrally located public space which can host a diverse programme of events.” It provides a
multi-purpose venue to accommodate exhibitions, performances, lectures and fashion shows. The building’s services were consolidated
at one end, allowing the entrance and event spaces to be situated closer to The Yard – the district’s main outdoor public square. The original front facade of the
warehouse has been replaced with polycarbonate cladding and full height operable doors. When the doors are open, the interior space blends seamlessly with the courtyard. The building’s connection to its exterior is reinforced by the translu-
cent polycarbonate, which brings generous amounts of daylight into the interior. The rest of the original facade has
been maintained and sprayed in a customised mix of concrete with glass and mirror elements. The rough texture of the concrete plus the reflections from the glass and mirror make the venue stand out in its location. The building also features two
linear skylights, positioned above four pivoting and sliding internal walls, which can allow either thin blades or full daylight into the space, depending on the configuration.
ADF MAY 2017
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
© Mohamed Somji, courtesy Alserkal Avenue
© OMA
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
