Unusual Architecture + United Arab Emirates

Ajmān - Emirati Arabi Uniti: [AL ZORAH PAVILION BY ANNABEL KARIM KASSAR]
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

The pavilion is included in the masterplan, from AED 220 billion coastal development launched in Ajman earlier in 2008, is a joint venture between the Government of Ajman and Solidere International Limited.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

Located along Ajman's beachfront and creeks, Al Zorah will build on the emirate's natural beauty, tradition, openness and culture of innovation to transform Ajman into a world class residential, tourism and investment destination.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

The city will be self-contained with varied residences, offices, retail, schools, hotels, hospitals and leisure facilities including a championship golf course, marinas and a number of five-star resort hotels.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

Construction will be restricted to 235 million square feet with the remaining expanse reserved for beaches, green spaces, and open squares, an approach that will provide over 60 per cent of the total land area for public spaces.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

The Al Zorah Pavilion in Ajman is a 3 500 Msq sales center. It is sheltered under a magnificent canopy illuminated and decorated as an ornamental tent.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

Spaces open up from a folded crossed cut slab: the slope of the folded roof starts from the entrance and reaches up to the highest point where it leads to terraced/belvedere spaces for looking out the sea.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

The roof is cladded with ceramic and steel tiles following a geometric pattern. Colorful and shining by day time, it will be lit up with LEED tricolored projectors by night; it is an installation by CAI light.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

The entrance is at the cut between the roof-scape and has a well-framed view out towards the natural mangrove. The entire building is like a balcony looking out towards Al Zorah’s area.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

The folded roof is reminiscent of the existing topographical strata leading down to the watrer.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

The pavilion houses an Internal Auditorium of 150 seats extending to the exterior for outdoor events, an exhibition space, a Café with a terrace, a guest house at the roof top level and an administrative floor.

Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar
Al Zorah Pavilion by Annabel Karim Kassar

Location: Ajman, United Arab Emirates Architects: Annabel Karim Kassar Project Architect: Rabih Zeidan Collaborators: Walid Hamze, Nehmat Alameh, Violaine Jeantet, Jean Sfeir Lighting Design: Cai Light Area: 3,500 sqm Year: 2014 Photographs: Tony Elieh