Here are the four images designed by Jean Nouvel for the Classical Museum on Saadiyat Island (see previous story).
The client, Emirates Tourism Development & Investment, sent us the following information about the Nouvel project:
Nouvel's vision for the classical museum owes much to Saadiyat's natural environment: "The island's landscape is harsh, but tempered by its confluence with the strait, creating a stark contrast between the aridity of the land and the fluidity of the waters," said Nouvel.
"These awaken the imagination of unknown cities buried deep in the sand or sunken under water. These dreamlike ideas merge into a simple archaeological plan that is restored as a small city, along a quiet promenade with almost a single row of buildings.
"This micro-city needed a micro-climate that would give visitors the feeling of being in a different world. The building is covered by a large dome, a shape common to all civilisations. This roof is made up of nets of different patterns, interwoven into a translucent ceiling that allows diffused, magical light to shine through in the best traditions of great Arab architecture.
"Water is endowed with a vital role, it reflects every part of the building and acts as a soul and creates a comfortable microclimate with the help of the wind".
