OMA has won a commission to design their first project in the United Arab Emirates. The winning proposal will transform four warehouses on Dubai's Alserkal Avenue into a new multi-purpose venue that will connect local architects and artists, and highlight the role intelligent design plays in the city.
“The main strategy for the design of the event space is to blur the boundary between interior and exterior by bringing view and daylight into the space and extending the action and events to the public space outside," said Iyad Alsaka, OMA's MEA Partner in Charge.
The flexible space will feature four 8.10-meter moveable walls, allowing for a number of spacial configurations to host public events, art exhibitions, performances, conferences and more. Full-height transparent sliding doors will mark the entrance, "strengthening the continuity between the interior and exterior, extending the action and events to the public square outside," says OMA. "The existing exterior shell will be wrapped in a customized concrete spray, distinguishing the building from the other surrounding warehouses."
“We selected OMA to design our new project space because they share our commitment to bold ideas and experimentation. Their design provides us with a new ‘home’ for arts and culture programming, and enables us to take even greater risks as we look towards the future,” said Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, Founder of Alserkal Avenue.
The new venue is expected to open Fall 2016. A preview of the 1,000-square-meter interior gallery will take place during Dubai Art Week (14-19 March 2016).
