MADE IN DUBAI
Dutch architectural practice OMA has transformed a former warehouse building into Concrete, a stunning multi-functional cultural space in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue.
It is the company’s first built project in the UAE, and founding partner Rem Koolhaas is under no illusions about its importance.
One of the world’s most renowned architects, he said: “Dubai is one of the cities that has had a deep impact on our work, and I am very happy that this particular building is our first effort here.
“In Concrete, we are not introducing a new shape but instead were able to ‘infiltrate’ an existing building with an arts institution. This building is totally produced in Dubai; it is not a foreign ideal, and that I think is significant.”
The 1250-square metre centre is the ultimate flexible space as it boasts four eight-metre pivoting and sliding walls that can create multiple space configurations depending on the type of event.
To maintain a fluid space, all the major interior equipment has been integrated into the ceiling, leaving the walls and floors free of any components.
The positioning of two linear skylights above the movable walls allows either thin blades of light or full daylight to penetrate the interiors, depending on the configuration.
The original front façade of the warehouse has been replaced with polycarbonate cladding and full-height operable doors.
When the doors are open, the exterior and interior spaces can seamlessly merge, adding to the endless versatility of the venue and giving Concrete a unique presence in its surroundings in the Al Quoz industrial area which, since the founding of Alserkal Avenue in 2007, has become an important arts hub boasting 25 galleries and art spaces.
Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, patron and founder of Alserkal Avenue, said: “Over the last decade, Alserkal Avenue has grown and evolved organically with the arts and culture scene of the United Arab Emirates.
“The introduction of Concrete marks a new milestone as part of the cultural advancement of the region.”
Vilma Jurkute, the director of Alserkal Avenue, added: “The OMA team has brought their unique aesthetic and thoughtful approach to urban architecture to the Avenue and in doing so they have created a space that has started a dialogue for architectural evolution in the UAE.”