Temporary Visitor Centre - Abu Dhabi, UAE
A Temporary Visitor Centre housing a cultural exhibition and offices, located on the site of Qasr al-Hosn.
The ground level landscape includes the ‘Tilted Garden’ and the ‘Desert Garden’. The design of these dry gardens is derived from UAE arid landscape forms. The use of indigenous plants aims to provide a sustainable and interpretive experience of the Emirati landscape.
The gardens at roof level includeprivate office gardens, Majilis Garden and Courtyard Gardens. The roof level gardens are designed as calming spaces and as foreground setting for important views to the fort and across the Qasr al-Hosn Cultural Quarter site. Intricate details adorn the courtyards in the form of engraved stone and ornamental copper and ceramic plant containers. These embellishments are derived from patterns and textures which have references to Emirati culture and traditions.
Architect: Austin-Smith:Lord