ARADA has unveiled the Al Janah Pavilion which has been designed and built in partnership with students from the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). The project is located in the Madar district of the Aljada masterplan.
Al Janah (wings in Arabic) pavilion was designed and developed during the 2018-2019 academic year by AUS students enrolled in a design studio course that was part of a collaboration between the developer and the university, the statement from ARADA said.
It has been dedicated by the students to the memory of the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who, as Chairman of Sharjah Urban Planning Council, played a major role in the development of the emirate’s urban infrastructure, while at the same time paying respect to its tradition and culture.
“The beautiful structure of Al Janah Pavilion is an example of what can be achieved when youth and creativity are inspired by the rich heritage and traditions of those who came before us. These same values also inspired Sheikh Khalid, who revered our past but also was open to progress and new ways of thinking. It is our hope that the space will be used as a place of inspiration and reflection that will protect and carry his legacy for future generations,” said chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.
AUS Chancellor Professor Kevin Mitchell added, “Our university benefits tremendously from collaborations with external partners like ARADA. The Al Janah Pavilion is an example of what can be accomplished when partners who are dedicated to education provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful projects. We are proud to be part of a project that has been dedicated to the memory of the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who demonstrated a commitment to design and worked to enhance the quality of the urban environment.”
According to the statement from ARADA, the design of the pavilion has been inspired by one of the most unique features in Islamic architecture, the Muqarnas. Traditionally, Muqarnas were featured on the underside of domes to create a three-dimensional, decorative transition between the ceiling and the supporting walls. The pavilion’s contemporary interpretation of this feature has transformed the Muqarnas surface into a complex shading canopy that casts playful shadows as the sun moves across the sky, the developer noted.
ARADA pointed out that its partnership with AUS provided students with a unique opportunity to engage in a design project from concept to completion. It also offered students invaluable learning experience of the various areas of architectural practice, including design development, coordination with consultants, project management and contract administration during the construction process.