Last year, Kalbod Design Studio presented the concept of the Dubai Art Museum, a 60-metre-high building featuring an innovative “double skin” design. Situated in Burj Park near iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall, the project is slated for completion in 2030.
The Dubai Art Museum is designed to address one of the common issues of big cities: the diminishing pedestrian areas due to the dominance of automobiles. Covering 4000 sqm, the project seeks to restore pedestrian space within the city. With Burj Park chosen as its construction site, the museum is poised to become one of the city’s major hubs. It is of great importance in terms of both public and tourist presence. Furthermore, it stands out as one of the few places in Dubai where citizens can enjoy a communal space.
From Burj Park to the museum, pedestrian access is facilitated by a network that weaves through functional park spaces in response to their functions, such as seasonal markets and small outdoor exhibitions. This network leads to a ramp which rises 5 metres above the park’s ground level, defining the museum’s main entrance.
Visitors enter the museum through a semi-transparent membrane that lets everyone inside the building remain visible from outside. This layered space filters Dubai’s harsh climate while ensuring that the continuity of the city’s vibrant life is not abruptly cut off when entering the museum. The membrane reveals the curves of the museum’s sculptural central core made of rammed earth, evoking the tranquillity of canyons or caves. It comprises multiple layers fitting together to resemble the shape of a person living in the desert who wears many layers of clothing. The spaces are filled with natural light coming in through openings placed in exact spots, which gives the rooms and exhibited art pieces an otherworldly feel.
Inside the central core, elevators transport visitors to the top floor, from where they can gradually descend along a central ramp, viewing gallery spaces and artworks before returning to the main lobby.
To get more information about the Dubai Art Museum, please visit the official website of Kalbod Design Studio.
You might also be interested in reading about Sandstorm Absorbent Skyscraper, another of Kalbod Design Studio’s projects. In addition, we recommend that you read our article about four upcoming architectural wonders in the UAE.
