32
PROJECT REPORT: MIXED USE SCHEMES
CLAD IN CONTRASTS
Facades within the plaza have pastel-coloured tiles in 14 subtle hues, providing a contrast to the building’s rough concrete external fi nish
The facades disintegrate into individual ‘pixels,’ forming terraces and bay windows that spill into the public space
The fragmented nature of the towers gives the impression that the development is “organically grown, rather than imposed,” say the architects. This design move “enhances the visual dynamism of the space, helping to make the new building a more inviting and accessible landmark within the district.” The breaking down of the exterior form into disaggregated sections not only provides the project’s distinctive identity, but also promotes interaction between residents and visitors in the plaza below, says MVRDV.
Material palette
The material palette employed in Pixel refl ects a “balance of modesty and identity,” say the architects. Inspired by Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving heritage, MVRDV employed a “symbolic interpretation of an oyster – robust and durable exteriors enclosing a softer, vibrant interior.” The outer facades are clad in textured concrete panels, designed by artist Nicole Martens, featuring patterns that resemble oyster shells. This “bold yet understated motif” gives the complex a distinctive presence in the city’s skyline. Within the plaza, pastel-coloured tiles
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
are interspersed with glazing on facades, providing shading to interiors. The tiles, rendered in 14 subtle hues, provide a contrast to the building’s rough concrete exterior, and a further visual disaggregation, “evoking the delicate iridescence of a pearl.” The contrast also helps to provide residents with a sense of transition between public and private spaces.
Each tower is further distinguished by a unique interior colour palette to enhance wayfi nding and give each building its own identity while reinforcing the project’s broader narrative of individuality and community integration.
Sustainability Pixel’s layout and design take climate- conscious principles into account. The strategic positioning of the towers provides shade while encouraging cooling breezes through the development. This passive cooling strategy reduces energy consumption and enhances comfort during Abu Dhabi’s hotter months. Additionally, water features and green landscaping throughout the plaza contribute to the microclimate’s cooling effect, further promoting outdoor activities.
ADF APRIL 2025
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 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
