After we completed a master plan for the new Abu Dhabi Media Zone, the client asked Bernard Tschumi Architects to engage in various discussions for the identity of the towers, including a limited competition. We chose to re-imagine the entire project as architects charged with interpreting the master plan as though we had no prior experience with the project, with fresh eyes.

Our Links-Shabaka project radically re-imagined the master plan. Orienting the towers north-south, instead of east-west, not only allows for a strikingly streamlined silhouette from the water, but also gives maximum sun exposure to the East and West facades, which are then treated with a full mesh of photovoltaic panels, filtering light while producing energy. Linking several towers together adds a dynamic dimension of world communication. more

We then extended the idea of energy production into the world of media. We developed a brand new mediascape by turning the roof of the deck into an active multi-purpose horizontal surface, protected from the sun by a “Media Membrane”. This in-between mediascape extends down to the Media Souk, to which we gave more variety to the original concept of the Connector. Based on the idea of mesh, or web, or links, our project is all about the interconnectivity of the Media Zone.

From the multiple routes of the ground level Media Souk, to the new interactive in-between Mediascape level of the roofs, to the linked towers at the top, the project expresses a three-dimensional network of communication. back

Credits

PROGRAM
Interpretation of an existing master plan (by BTA) for a new "Media Quarter" in Abu Dhabi
SCHEDULE
Competition, 2009
SIZE
526,615 m2
BUDGET
t.b.d.
CLIENT
Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority
TEAM
Lead Designer: Bernard Tschumi. Key Personnel: Bernard Tschumi Architects: Kim Starr, Kate Scott, Chris Lee, Joel Rutten, Nefeli Chatzimina, W. Y. Frank Chen, John Eastridge, Julien Jacquot, Thanasis Manis, Ciro Miguel, Mitch McEwen, Colin Spoelman, Danny Thai, Paula Tomisaki, Micheal Young back

Program: Cultural, Educational, Infrastructure, Master Plan, Offices, Public Buildings