With the introduction of several world-class museums and institutions to the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi, it was determined that a cultural institution should be established to nurture a local appreciation of the arts, and to foster an arts education among the children of the UAE capitol. A 6-hectare site on the Grand Canal was selected for the new Abu Dhabi Art Park.
The project brief includes an art school offering classes in the visual and performing arts; a state of-the-art performance venue and large exposition hall to feature the work of international artists and festivals; and family-friendly gathering spaces, all situated in a landscaped sculpture park. Restaurants and boutique arts-oriented retail shops are located at the canal edge, with water taxi service to and from nearby attractions. A four-star hotel to accommodate visiting artists and dignitaries is an integral part of the project, and includes guestrooms as well as serviced apartments for extended-stay guests. A full complement of hotel amenities includes a conference center, fitness center, landscaped pool deck and private beachfront, as well as a signature restaurant.
The design team was charged with implementing the project program, designing the master plan, creating design guidelines for phased development, and providing strategies for long-term operations and maintenance.
6
HECTARES
80,000m2
STRUCTURED PROGRAM
400
GUESTROOMS
Developer: Abu Dhabi Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC)
Lead Consultant/Architect: GREC Architects
Landscape Designer: Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects
Marine Engineer: Halcrow Yolles
Retail Planning Consultant: Portland Communications
A cultural institution established to nurture a local appreciation of the arts, the Abu Dhabi Art Park includes an art school, a performance venue and large exposition hall to feature the work of international artists and festivals, and family-friendly gathering spaces, all situated in a landscaped sculpture park. Restaurants and boutique arts-oriented retail shops are located at the canal edge, with water taxi service to and from nearby attractions.