1 – Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan Mosque
Spatium
The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is probably the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi to date. It is also arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society – and one of the most beautiful in the world, once you visit it, you will fall in love with the amazing design and the small details. It is not questionable that will be our number one choice for best architecture work in Abu Dhabi and even UAE.
2 – Capital Gate Building (ADNEC)
RMJM, Architects
The Capital Gate is a spectacularly cantilevered building which adds its unique architectural form to the Abu Dhabi skyline.
A dramatic steel and glass façade shrouds the 35-storey building which sits on 490 piles which have been drilled 30m underground to accommodate the gravitational, wind and seismic forces caused by the distinctive lean of the building.
In June 2010, the Guinness World Records certified Capital Gate as the “World’s furthest leaning man-made tower.” The new record shows that the Capital Gate tower has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards; more than four times that of the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Investigation and evaluation, which was made by a Guinness appointed awards committee, started in January 2010, when the exterior of the 160-metre (524.9 ft), 35 storey tower was completed.
3 – Emirates Palace Hotel
WATG
Choosing the top 3 favorite architecture work in Abu Dhabi was a very hard job, as all of them deserved the first place no doubt.
Built in the style of a majestic palace rising from the sand, an elaborate and luxurious design combines a conference centre, guest palace and two luxury Kempinksi hotel wings. Modern techniques of etching and casting allowed traditional patterns to become an integral component of the facade design. Traditional materials and motifs were blended with the latest technology. The building’s exterior of marble, granite and stone includes self-cleaning coated glass spandrels and balcony fronts.
84 hectares (200 acres) 394 guestrooms including 92 suites 22 residential suites for Heads of State Total area: 243,000 square meters (2,615,630 square feet)
4 – Al Dar HQ
MZ Architects
Voted “Best Futuristic Design 2008” by the Building Exchange Conference, HQ represents the most striking new addition to the Abu Dhabi skyline, whilst providing flexible office accommodation to the most astute of corporate occupiers.
In addition to the distinctive design of its structure, HQ’s floor plates retain a high level of efficiency and provide functional, open plan office space with expansive column free areas which are capable of accommodating a multitude of fit out options. Built to international Grade A specification including floor to ceiling glazing to each elevation, HQ boasts impeccable common area finishes and an impressive double height dual entrance lobby incorporating unique modern Islamic design features.
Set upon an elevated peninsula affording spectacular views of the city, canal and sea, HQ’s excellent location provides an unparalleled working environment through the integration of exceptional services and facilities as well as proximity to leisure and retail outlets located in Al Dana and throughout Al Raha Beach.
5 – Viceroy Hotel (The Yas Hotel)
Asymptote Architecture
The Yas hotel, a 500-room, 85,000-square-meter structure made up of two twelve story hotel towers linked together by a monocoque steel and glass bridge A Grid Shell structure that both cross above and over the Yas Marina Circuit F1 race track. It is the first new hotel in the world to be built over an F1 race circuit. The hotel’s exterior surface is designed as an environmentally responsive skin that by day reflects the sky and surroundings and by night is lit by a full color changing LED lighting system that incorporate video feeds that are transmitted over the entire surface of the building.
YAS hotel won 2011 design award for best hotel fromTravel + Leisure.
