Qasn al Hosr, Abu Dhabi

Opposite Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building, Qasr Al Hosn Fort from 1793 lies the Cultural Foundation building, a listed cultural centre of Bauhaus origins, completed in 1981. While it is a young monument, it is an important one, as this is the icon of modern architecture in Abu Dhabi.

 

The transformed Cultural Foundation contains an exhibition hall, gallery spaces, workshops offering classes to the public, an artist-in-residence programme, the Emirate’s first dedicated children’s library, restaurants, a roof terrace and a completely refurbished performing arts centre including a 896-seat theatre space.

 

The renovation of the auditorium was true to the building’s original expression, preserving the materials, textures and color scheme. The lighting bridge is worked into the existing distinct panelled ceiling and lighting positions were carefully chosen so as not to encroach on its understated style. The stage tower was fitted with automated fly bars and the space was equipped with an AV installation enabling it to be used for a variety of cultural activities.

Project