Sowwah Galleria

Alongside other impressive projects in the field of complex building envelopes in the United Arab Emirates, the Waagner-Biro Stahlbau AG has envisioned another breath-taking project. The scenery for this development is the Abu Dhabi financial district on Sowwah Island. Enclosed by four high-rise slabs and the new stock exchange a ... new public space is determined. The base on which these buildings are situated functions as a shopping mall, the central highlight of which is the Galleria. Set directly at the water’s edge it offers a spectacular view onto the ocean. The complex nature of the atrium enclosure is enhanced by the repeatedly curved geometry as well as its dual purpose: The glass climate shell that encompasses the space hangs from supporting steel structures, which act as shading for the surrounding area. The roof level of the structure bares a triangular light filter, which reduces the sun’s impact and accentuates the texture and color of the surface. The curved glass façade at the waters edge is supported by a suspended construction, consisting of a horizontal beam and vertical cables. The principal shape of the light filter reminiscent of a reptile’s skin, overhangs the main structure and thus creates a moment of movement within the structure. The atrium bares a width of 74,5 meters, a length of 68,5 meters. The overall structure is 235 meters high. All in all, the structure consists of a façade surface of around 1.750 m² and a roof surface of 1.800 m². The project is the first cooperation with the renowned engineers from RFR Paris and was completed within a building period of a month using a design/build process.