Abu Dhabi Architecture – Installment 1

If you started at the beginning, you will recall me saying how much I love the architecture here.  I really do!  There are so many creative, beautiful, graceful, and um… interesting buildings here, that I have been compelled to ask how Abu Dhabi architecture got to be so eclectic.  What I have found in my research is that the initial plan and design of the city in the late 60’s, (it was then estimated that Abu Dhabi would grow to about 40,000 people) was created by Dr. Takahashi of Japan, under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed.  The city’s population quickly outgrew that estimate, though the basic premise remains, with the high density mixed use areas still downtown, which is along the waterfront.  The lower density more residential areas are in the desert on the outskirts.  About 40 years ago, the Sheikh realized they needed help to cope with the incredible growth of Abu Dhabi.  Though I have not been able to find any documentation supporting the story, I have heard it from several unrelated sources, and it does make sense… The Sheikh put the word out to architects around the world, if you have a design, and you want to build it – come here.  We will finance you.  And so they did.  The result is really appealing, and in this first installment, I am going to begin with what you see on the drive from the airport to the eastern edge of downtown.

If you read my posting on the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, you know that it was one of the first things I saw when leaving the airport.  It was on the left as we made the curve.  To the right was Sheik Zayed Bridge. 

Known by expats as Reclining Lady bridge (a term I have learned the cab drivers either don’t acknowledge, or dislike).  This is the newest of the bridges off of Abu Dhabi Island and back onto the mainland.

Continuing down the road I see 2 of the most iconic buildings in Abu Dhabi.  As I look to right I see the Aldar Building, but surprisingly few people know it as such.  When you get in a cab you ask to be taken to the giant Oreo Cookie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the Pineapples come into my view on the left (real name: Al-Bahr Towers).  These are still among my favorites, I really love them.

 

The ‘exoskeleton’ sits about 2 meters away from the exterior of the building.  In the architect’s propaganda it is referred to as an “intelligent façade.”  Each shade is created to mimic the movement of a flower opening and closing.  The ‘petals’ open and close once per day and are programmed to do so with the movement of the sun.  They operate independently, and at any given time during daylight hours, some will be completely open, some partially open, and some completely closed.  At night all of them are completely open, giving residents full view of the city.  The builders estimate that this technology reduces energy loss by over 50% simply by shielding the glass from the sun’s heat.  If you are interested, you can read the tech specs here:

http://www.slideshare.net/sajidashah14/al-bahr-an-intelligent-building-of-abu-dhabi

A bit in the distance I catch my first glimpse of what I will learn is the Capital gate building.  It is adjacent to the Abu Dhabi Exhibitions Center, and houses a Hyatt Regency hotel.   This building holds a Guiness Record as the World’s furthest leaning man made tower.  Which basically means that in a previous life, I lied to all those kids I sent to Pisa.  This building has an 18 degree lean to the west, more than 4 times that old thing in Italy.  On a side note – I understand that the view from the rooftop bar is spectacular.  This is on the ever growing list of things I need to see and do in Abu Dhabi.

As my cab draws close to my new (temporary) home, I think we have made a mistake.  The cab is pulling into the entrance of the Sheraton.  One of the older buildings here in Abu Dhabi, it is very different in style and I feel like it would go well in Arizona.  Because of the street design of the city, I go by it every day – walking or in a cab.

This building is my currently my next door neighbor.  In fact, the building with the green glass at the far left of this photo is where we live (hopefully for only another 4 days as of this writing.)  The drive from the airport takes only about 40 minutes, because the traffic was light.  I will share more of the fantastic architecture in another installment soon.

I want to take a minute and say thanks for following along on our adventure.  I have truly appreciated the notes I have gotten from a surprising number of people who are reading.  It’s really great to know you are out there, and enjoying the ride with us.

P.S.  Only 3 of the photos above are mine.  The rest can be found online.