textured feather-like roof tops wetland visitor center proposal in abu dhabi

london-based architecture firm dave edwards design has introduced the ‘feathered fabric’ wetland visitor center in abu dhabi. the project consists of three key elements: the viewing terraces, the dune-scape walls and the feathered fabric soffit. even though all of them are materially and visually distinct, the design suggests a carefully resolved harmonious composition.

aerial view of roofscape

all images courtesy of dave edwards design

dave edwards design has shaped the internal environment as a sequence of open viewing platforms where people can sit and observe the wetlands. these spaces are contained by the ‘dune-scape’ walls, which frame and wrap around the building, nesting into the ground, while highlighting the form and texture of the surrounding rocky outcrops. 

main entrance

the top volume of the building is heavily inspired by the birds of the wetlands themselves, which often stand in the water with their wings outstretched. generating a distinct architectural element with an undulating form, the structure hovers above the natural horizon line. its pleats and folds give a sense of motion across the surface, but also provide additional structural depth, as well as space within the roof for required services and a warm air reservoir.

exhibition hall

appearing as an ephemeral formation sitting on the terraces, this billowing soffit recalls a number of local context references, reminding of a desert tent or a palm groove. in addition, it attracts the attention of the visitors, leading their eyes through the inside spaces, and expanding outwards again, into the landscape. the density of its textured patterns responds to the curvature of the pleated roof, which similar to feathers, is both a sum of linear fibres and a single surface.

exhibition hall

training room

cafe space

wetland views

key construction elements

ground plan

site plan

conceptual framework

section

project info:

name: feathered fabric – abu dhabi wetland visitor centre
architecture office: dave edwards design – ded studio
location: abu dhabi 

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom