Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

June 08, 2011 Category: Cultural, Public Buildings

The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training designed by DEWAN Architects & Engineers is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The building has been designed with the severe environment in mind, with summer temperatures reaching 55 degrees Celsius and humidity levels close to 80-90%. The vaulted high “corridor” that gathers the building components under an expressive metallic roof structure allows the dominating wind stream to sweep through the compound, a sort of modern-era “Windcatcher / Baarjiil”, creating an active, pleasant space for meeting and interacting that binds all the facilities together.

The building is surrounded by a reflective water pool, which provides for calming aesthetics in addition to its thermal cooling effect around the building. A manicured lawn and landscaped gardens greet visitors in their approach to the main entrance of the building. Immediately into the main entrance, we enter an asymmetric double-height main hall serving as a reception, lobby and multi-purpose gallery, which receives the visitors and directs them to the main corridor.

Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training design by DEWAN Architects & Engineers