Sumaya Dabbagh
AL AIN MUSEUM: HONORING THE MEMORY OF PLACE. The archaeological discoveries at the Al Ain Museum site present a unique opportunity to communicate the history of human settlement in Al Ain and the region over the last 2000 years. These remnants reveal the rich heritage of this region. Each of these layers of history have their distinct significance and relevance to the site and to the people of Al Ain. They are as follows: ARCHAEOLOGY – Remnants of historical Agricultural and Funerary landscapes have been found on the site, which date back over 2000 years. The Agricultural landscape demonstrates the ingenuity of the people of Al Ain to access and manage water. In this harsh and arid landscape, water is a universal symbol for the source of life. It is also the currency that allows for material prosperity for the settlements in this desert region. The Funerary Landscape demonstrates humans’ funerary rituals, which honor death. The new discoveries signify the life and death cycle of multiple generations who have settled in this area over several layers of history and time. AL AIN OASIS – This is a testament to the resourcefulness of the people of Al Ain to source and manage water over millennia. This scarce commodity provided, and continues to provide, food and livelihood for the city of Al Ain. THE SULTAN FORT – The mud- brick building of Sultan Fort, built in 1910 by Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First, is one of the most important historic buildings for the UAE. It is associated with the increased influence of the ruling Al Nahyan family in Al Ain since the end of the nineteenth century. HARAT AL HOSN [FORT NEIGHBORHOOD] – The remnants of Harat Al Hosn tell the story of the community that had sprung around the Sultan Fort in the 1960’s. THE EXISTING MUSEUM – The Existing Museum is a reference to the visionary act by the Late Founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, to preserve and showcase the history of Al Ain. It is an example of a modern heritage building that marks an important phase of growth and development for the UAE, where Sheikh Zayed’s legacy for building the first Museum in the Emirates lives on. By responding to the existing elements on site, there is an opportunity for the architecture to create a dialogue between the new and the old. The architectural approach focuses on the experience of the visitor, allowing them to connect the indoors to the outdoors, to view different elements from various routes and vantage points, and to revive the once sacred vestiges in a contemporary context. By honoring the site’s memory, the architecture captures the spirit of place. It creates continuity while celebrating the richness of the site’s past, adding a new chapter for the Al Ain Museum to narrate its story for generations to come.
Al Ain Museum
Asia-Oceania
Future (Concept) Project
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
December 2024
Dabbagh Architects is an award-winning Architectural design practice based in Dubai, UAE. It is recognized regionally for its contemporary design and quality-driven service. Established in 2008 by Sumaya Dabbagh, a Saudi Architect educated in the UK, the practice set out to create contemporary Architecture that is culturally and environmentally sensitive. A timeless Architecture that creates a positive impact on the world. Since its inception, Dabbagh Architects have successfully completed a number of prestigious projects in the commercial, private and public sectors and continue to fulfil their mission through their unique innovative designs. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre as well as recently completed Mosque of Mohammed Abdulkaliq Gargash, have been globally recognized as significant examples of a new emerging approach to Architecture in the Gulf. Both projects were nominated for an Aga Khan Award in 2018 and 2021 and won several other regional and international prestigious awards. The practice has since completed the design of the new Al Ain Museum, a recent addition to their renowned portfolio of sensitive, contextual designs. Dabbagh Architects is one of the first practices in the Gulf region to be registered as an RIBA Chartered Practice. This recognizes it as a conscious and responsible employer who is committed to maintaining the highest standards both as a design practice and an organization. Social Media links Linked-in: @Dabbagh Architects Linked-in: @Sumaya Dabbagh Instagram: @dabbagharchitects_ Twitter: @dabbagharchitects Twitter: @sumayadxb
Sumaya Dabbagh, Hala Nahas, Hana Younes, William Java, Sherif Touma
image credits are all by Dabbagh Architects
Image of Architect/Designer (Portrait recommended): https://2acaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SD-headshot1-2023-8.png
Board 1 (PDF about the panel of project’s presentation and information): https://2acaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230724_2AAA_AL-AIN-MUSEUM-1-of-2-6.pdf
Board 2 (PDF about the panel of project’s presentation and information): https://2acaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230724_2AAA_AL-AIN-MUSEUM-2-of-2-6.pdf
Image of project (1500px width): https://2acaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1.-AAM-aerial-4.jpg
–
Submit your review | |
2A Continental Architectural Awards
Average rating: 5 reviews
b.lenhardt
Oct 12, 2023
Concept and Practicality Balance: 4
Innovativeness: 3
Climate Responsiveness: 5
l.araghian
Oct 6, 2023
Concept and Practicality Balance: 7
Innovativeness: 7
Climate Responsiveness: 7
1413794236
Oct 6, 2023
Concept and Practicality Balance: 8
Innovativeness: 7
Climate Responsiveness: 7
gisela.loehlein
Oct 6, 2023
Concept and Practicality Balance: 9
Innovativeness: 9
Climate Responsiveness: 9
calm museum addition with a depth of understanding of the historic architecture whilst achieving a modern calm exterior and interior space and connections
Anonymous
Oct 6, 2023
Concept and Practicality Balance: 9
Innovativeness: 9
Climate Responsiveness: 10
a real winner for me