annabel karim kassar architects develops a new landmark in ajman

annabel karim kassar architects develops a new landmark in ajman
image © georges fessy

designed with a sensitive approach to the site in symbiosis with the landscape, annabel karim kassar architects (AKK) has constructed the ‘al zorah pavilion’ located in ajman, UAE. the structure is a 4.500 square meter multifunctional center dedicated to administration, culture and entertainment. it was first conceived as a simple geometric form standing in the desert acting as a topography that is inserted within another one.

the pavilion is a 4.500 square meter multifunctional center dedicated to administration, culture and entertainment
image © tony elieh

the pavilion rests under a folded canopy reminiscent of the existing topographical layers that leads down to the water. facing south, the roof is all clad with zinc shingles protecting the pavilion from strong sunlight and simultaneously blocking the noise from the nearby highway. the dark tinted glass façade is oriented north towards the mangroves, providing transparency into the interior and unobstructed views to the natural landscape. the roof catches sunlight and shines by daytime. during the nighttime, LED projectors lit it up.

facing south, the roof is all clad with zinc shingles protecting the pavilion from strong sunlight
image © tony elieh

the construction houses an internal auditorium of 150 seats, the exterior for outdoor events, the exhibition space, the café with a terrace, the guest house at the roof top level and the administrative floor. spaces open up from under a folded crossed cut slab where the slope of the folded roof starts from the entrance and reaches up to the highest point of the structure through an open air staircase which leads to terraced belvedere spaces looking out to the sea. 

the pavilion is designed with a sensitive approach to the site in symbiosis with the landscape
image © tony elieh

the ‘al zorah pavilion’ in ajman is the first project to be implemented on site as part of the city’s redevelopment and sets a high standard for the next to come. 

the light design follows the geometrical forms of the exterior
image © tony elieh

secondo floor of the al zorah pavilion
image © tony elieh

the floor-to-ceiling windows create a visual connection between the inside and outside
image © tony elieh

the auditorium has 150 seats extending to the exterior for outdoor events
image © tony elieh

the flooring at ground level is in triangular tiles of black ‘nero assoluto granite’
image © georges fessy

the internal stairs in the hall of the al zorah pavilion
image © georges fessy

the pavilion looks towards the mangroves in ajman
image © tony elieh

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom