The Sheikh Zayed Museum

How can a single building capture the spirit of a great leader? Indeed how can a building even represent a nation, its aspirations, people and culture? These are issues that architects tend to grapple with whenever they are asked to design a national museum for instance, or a memorial celebrating significant achievements. And it certainly figured highly among a group of architects when they were asked to contribute to a competition that took place a few years go.

This competition concerned the design of the Sheikh Zayed National Museum on Sa’adiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. A group of 15 architects – representing the most innovative and creative in the world – were invited to participate in an architectural competitions were they were asked in its first phase to submit conceptual ideas for such a building.

I was involved with one firm, Shigeru Ban Architects from Tokyo-Japan, as a cultural consultant and in this capacity was able to closely observe the process. Following submissions in the first phase a jury comprising both local and foreign members, chose 4 firms for Phase 2, which entailed a more detailed design proposal. Shigeru Ban – an architect known for his innovative use of material, humane scale of his buildings, and concern for the environment – was among these.

His design was based on an image showing the late Sheikh Zayed sitting under a Ghaf tree, consulting with tribal leaders. That image became the driving force behind the design whereby the architect and his team proposed a large sheltering roof under which the museum would be constructed. In addition the architect took samples from the island’s sand – as he told me during a dinner in Abu Dhabi – and analysed it to understand its structural properties. He then used information gathered from this to propose a unique structural system that is derived from the land – an allusion to Sheikh Zayed’s concern with the environment. Permeating the design were geometric patterns based on traditional Arab culture, and a sense of movement that recalled the old towns of Arabia.

Throughout my interaction with Shigeru Ban and his team, and in particular with architect Taro Okabe, I sensed a curiosity, but also enthusiasm, to understand the UAE and its culture. From falconry to pearl fishing they were attempting to incorporate these ideas into their design.

The jury however decided to award the design to UK based Foster Architects and its lead architect Norman Foster. This firm is responsible for many buildings and projects in Abu Dhabi – the Masdar Complex, the Central Market and of course the UAE Pavilion in Shanghai. The firm has high experience in executing complex buildings and is also known for its technical expertise and use of innovative technologies.

Following the selection of Foster’s design he was asked to refine it further and expand the scale. This took some time but the design was finally unveiled in November during the visit of the UK’s Queen and also to commemorate the countries’ National Day.

Sheikh Zayed is a unique figure among Arab leaders. He not only presided over the UAE’s growth and advancement into the modern age but he was also responsible for what one may well argue to be the only successful attempt at unification in the Arab world. Something that has eluded many Arab leaders who unsuccessfully chased the dream of pan-Arabism.

The unveiled design by Foster Architects is befitting of this great legacy. Comprised of a series of five soaring, wing like structures which emerge from a landscaped mountain–like form it is both an allusion to past traditions and a gesture to the future. These towering elements are meant to resemble the wings of a falcon – a tradition that is deeply rooted in the UAE’sculture. At the same time their height – reaching 124m – will enable them to act as ‘solar chimneys’where they harness the power of the sun to draw air through the museum’s inner spaces.

As tends to be the case in architectural competitions there can only be one winner. Foster Architects design ultimately won for the expertise of its firm, experience in the region and also sheer technical competency. The design is indeed beautiful and upon completion in 2014 will be a highlight to any visit to Abu Dhabi. Visitors will not just learn about the accomplishments of Sheikh Zayed but will also learn about the rich history of the UAE. And more significantly the museum’s public spaces will be a befitting forum to engage others and contribute to a dialogue among the kaleidoscope of people comprising the UAE.

Yet it would be beneficial – not just for architects but also for non-specialists – to see how the other entries attempted to represent and capture the spirit of this great leader. Such visions will no doubt show the power of architecture and the extent to which it can capture a nation’s sense of identity.

At the same time such a display may inspire a future generation of Emirati architects so that they can – one day – engage in the task of representing their nation and its accomplishments.

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