First phase of ZHA's droplet-shaped entertainment complex set for 2019 completion
Named Aljada Central Hub, the new development explores the first moment of a water droplet's strike on the earth’s surface, captured in an array of elliptical buildings. Designed to channel prevailing winds into public spaces and courtyards, the overall form of the buildings will aid natural cooling. ZHA won a competition earlier this year and released its preliminary concept with one visual.
The $6.5bn project reflects Arada’s commitment to sustainability and smart technologies which will be integrated within the Central Hub.
"The complex’s natural ecosystem, irrigated by recovered and recycled water, is designed to sustain a microclimate at ground level for gardens featuring plant species native to the region, while the Central Hub’s lighting requirements will be entirely provided by smart solar power," said Zaha Hadid Architects in a press release.
Car-free Central Hub
More than 25 football fields in size, the car-free Central Hub is focused around its large central plaza and public observation tower. The Central Hub’s design integrates a variety of civic spaces designed with natural cooling strategies to enable them to be enjoyed throughout the year, even during the summer months.
In total, there will be 732,000ft2 of public squares and gardens within the Central Hub, including the large community park that covers a quarter of the complex with thousands of specially selected native trees and plants.
The project will be completed in three phases. The programme of the first phase of the Central Hub - including an outdoor cinema space, a food truck village, skate park and other family-friendly facilities – has already begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2019. According to the architects, Arada will be on track to complete all phases of the Central Hub by 2022.
"Aljada’s Central Hub stands as an example of how conscious design can work with the environment to create a truly unique and inspirational focus for its community," said Johannes Schafelner, project director, Zaha Hadid Architects.
"The Central Hub is a defining project for Sharjah and the UAE, and we have been proud to work closely with Arada on bringing this development to life."
The second and third phases of the Central Hub are scheduled to be completed in 2020 and 2022, respectively.
Article originally published on World Architecture Community.
Source: World Architecture Community
Since 2006, World Architecture Community provides a unique environment for architects, architecture students and academics around the globe to meet, share and compete.
Go to: https://worldarchitecture.org/
