UAP - Urban Art Projects

Wahat Al Karama

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

WAHAT AL KARAMA

bureau^proberts + Urban Art Projects

ARCHITECTS
bureau^proberts, Urban Art Projects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jonathan Gainer

CATEGORY
Pavillion

AREA
9100.0 m2

PROJECT
Year 2016

CITY
Abu Dhabi

ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN
bureau^proberts

MANUFACTURERS
Seele, UAP

ARTIST
Idris Khan

ENGINEERING
Robert Bird Group

COUNTRY
United Arab Emirates

ART STRATEGY, DESIGN, FABRICATION
UAP

LANDSCAPE AND PARK MASTER PLAN
Aecom

Text description provided by architect.

This work exemplifies the power of fusion between art and architecture in a project that conveys purpose and emotion and creates a place of reflection, serenity and significance for its nation.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

The conceptual direction of the project was conceived by world renowned artist Idris Khan to “create a park for reflection on both loss and remembrance, a spiritual place that conveyed unity and support - a monument that has positive and hopeful resonance while inspiring curiosity in sculpture and how contemporary art can influence emotions”.

At the heart of Wahat Al Karama park is the MONUMENT which serves as a unifying poetic moment despite its monumentality. The complex structure is comprised of 31 aluminium vertical tablets, the largest soaring 23 metres in height.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

The tablets appear to gently rest on each other symbolizing the united strength of the seven nations of the UAE.

With its impressive scale, the Memorial represents the eternal martyr, a place of reassurance and defiance.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

Its two front tablets stand vertically and are intended to evoke a sense of humility when approached.

Each tablet was carefully handcrafted by UAP’s design and fabrication team. The 31 tablets are made of a total of 850 cast aluminium panels.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

UAP’s team used a hand painting technique to achieve a delicate gradient of colour on the surface that captures the light rather than reflecting it.

They feature a series of Arabic poems and quotes from both the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and entice the viewer to read, reflect and touch the artwork, creating a personal relationship with the Memorial.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

The PAVILION OF HONOUR marks the end of the memorial journey as a place of reflection and honour.

The circular structure is centered by seven standing glass panels by Idris Khan surrounded by a water feature, and 2,800 aluminium plates inscribed with the names of the UAE’s heroes.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

As a collaboration of artist, curator and architect it is a built expression of the artists practice and the aspirations of the region for its heroes.

“The Pavilion was conceived as a place for reflection and refuge, a place of honour where the visitor ends their journey in quiet contemplation. The layered roof responds to the monument and the massive vernacular of the region and represents the layering of history over time.” Liam Proberts, creative director of bureau^proberts

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

The landmark also includes the Visitor’s Centre at the entrance and The Memorial Plaza which also serves as an amphitheatre for events.

Wahat Al Karama is open to the public every day from 9.00am until midnight.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer

A national public holiday on 30 November honors the lives of fallen soldiers in the present and past conflicts.

Engineering firm AECOM was responsible for the overall design of The Memorial Park.

Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer


Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer
Wahat Al Karama
© Jonathan Gainer


Wahat Al Karama
Detail
Wahat Al Karama
Detail
Wahat Al Karama
Detail
Wahat Al Karama
Composition


Wahat Al Karama
Elevations
Wahat Al Karama
Elevations


Wahat Al Karama
Plan / Section
Wahat Al Karama
Roof Plans
Wahat Al Karama
Plan
Wahat Al Karama
Plan

UAP - Urban Art Projects
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