dubai-based anarchitect realizes MAS installation for abu dhabi art

dubai-based anarchitect realizes MAS installation for abu dhabi art
photo © lester ali
all images courtesy of anarchitect

successfully commissioned by the abu dhabi tourism & cultural authority following an invited competition, anarchitect was approached to re-imagine the atrium at the manarat al saadiyat with a permanent installation to coincide with the opening of abu dhabi art in november 2014. the work houses the ‘artyfact’ design store and a reading room for visitors, artists, writers to inhabit, as well as groups to host talks and discussions.

corner perspective of the expressive form of the MAS installation
photo © lester ali

the concept was to create a form that responds to the movement of daylight and shadow that penetrates the skylights. the installation also provides intimate, functional and permeable areas that remain visually connected to the atrium and subjectively orientate visitors passing through and around them.

animated view showing parts of the installation inhabited
photo © lester ali

constructed from finishing ply, the three-dimensional shape was carved along its length and perpendicularly segmented to allow views from the semi-closed spaces into the courtyard beyond. the gesture develops a fissure, which subconsciously directs visitors to the rear galleries and simultaneously plays with their peripheral vision as they move past, offering constantly changing scenes into the spaces within.

within the felt-lined reading space
photo © lester ali

the installation intentionally created framed views and reconfigured circulation routes
photo © lester ali

reading material
photo © lester ali

the expressive architectural form was constructed from matte lacquered finishing plywood
photo © lester ali

a bench extends the full length of the installation
photo © lester ali

dusk view of the architectural form
photo © lester ali

a dusk view of the full installation
photo © lester ali

the installation during the abu dhabi art fair 2014
photo © lester ali

project info:

title: MAS installation
completed: november 2014
client: abu dhabi tourism & culture authority – manarat al saadiyat
architects: anarchitect
photography: lester ali, NYC
area: 95sqm
location: manarat al saadiyat atrium, saadiyat island, abu dhabi, UAE

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.