Al Zorah Pavilion

Project Description

The Al Zorah pavilion in Ajman is a landmark. It is the first project to be realised on site as part of the redevelopment of the city. The structure is a 4,500 m² multifunctional centre dedicated to administration, culture and entertainment, overlooking the mangrove of Ajman. The pavilion is designed with a very sensitive approach to the site, creating a symbiosis with the landscape. It is conceived as a simple geometric form, standing in the desert as one landscape within another.

The pavilion is under a canopy, a folded roof reminiscent of the existing topographical strata leading down to the water. Facing south, the roof is entirely clad with zinc shingles, protecting the pavilion from strong sunlight and at the same time blocking out noise from the nearby motorway. The dark tinted glass façade faces north towards the mangroves, providing transparency into the interior and unobstructed views towards the natural landscape. The roof catches the sunlight and shines during the daytime and is lit up with LED projectors at night. The flooring at ground level features triangular tiles of black nero assoluto granite. The pavilion houses an internal auditorium with 150 seats extending to the exterior for outdoor events, an exhibition space, a café with a terrace, a guest house at the rooftop level and an administrative floor. The car parking is underground, sheltered with a green layer.

The slope of the folded roof starts from the entrance and reaches up to the highest point of the structure. An open-air staircase leads to terraced belvedere spaces looking out towards the sea, inviting visitors to climb it to admire the rooftop views. The entrance forms an incision in the roofscape and affords a well-framed view out towards the natural mangrove.

The pavilion extends with a walkway that takes visitors on a stroll into the landscape. The building is like a „balcony“ looking out towards Al Zorah’s mangroves.