Zaha Hadid Architects has won the competition to design the central hub of Aljada mixed-use development in Sharjah, UAE. The selected proposal features an observation tower, at the center, surrounded by public spaces, located throughout the masterplan with environmental aspects taken into account.
ZHA explains, “The proposal conceptualises the moment a water droplet strikes the earth’s surface, captured in an array of elliptical buildings designed to channel prevailing winds into civic spaces and courtyards to facilitate cooling during the summer months.”
In addition to employing passive cooling techniques, the central hub’s public spaces comprise water features which use recycled water. Also, the ground level maintains a microclimate by means of tensile canopies, so as to grow gardens with native plantings.
The new Aljada development covers a total area of 24 million square feet, and it is planned to be a destination for both locals and tourists alike. It shall include community facilities, world-class services, as well as retail and dining spots. As for the central hub, it occupies an area of 1.9 million square feet, and it shall house a food market, selling home-grown products, an adventure activity zone, and outdoor venues for different events.
“Zaha Hadid Architects is globally renowned for forward-thinking and transformational urban design,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of ARADA.
”While all of the companies in this design competition offered outstanding designs, Zaha Hadid Architects’ integrated design approach matched our vision for Aljada’s Central Hub as an interconnected destination. This approach is synonymous with ARADA’s mission to develop rewarding and engaging communities, building the Sharjah of tomorrow.”
Tariq Khayyat, ZHA’s Head of Region also commented, “Zaha Hadid Architects is proud to partner with ARADA on a project designed for Sharjah’s community and its visitors.”
“Applying all our knowledge and experience in creating some of the world’s most popular civic spaces, we look forward to working closely with ARADA to foster Sharjah’s public realm in delivering Aljada’s Central Hub.”
The work on Aljada development is planned to begin in 2019, and it is scheduled to finish in 2025.