THE SHARJAH ART MUSEUM

Sandra Woodall

One of the UAE’s last new-build developments utilising traditional adobe, coral stone and Indian Teak construction techniques and practices in the regeneration and development of the historic Arts and Heritage Area “The Heart of Sharjah”. A cultural heritage project nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, that aims to preserve and restore the original stone town built by merchants and pearl traders on the banks of the Persian Gulf from the 1880’s. Inaugurated for the 3rd Sharjah Arts’ Biennial, this was the first purpose-built art gallery to be built on the Arabian Peninsula.
The building consists of two wings, interconnected by two passageways over an interior street, totalling 11,000m2 GFA, 100m length, and 68 Halls housing permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, the Sharjah Art Museum presents works by international and Arab artists who have explored the history and culture of the region. Working closely with the Government of Sharjah’s Archaeological advisor, the design and construction of this key works was a privileged steep learning curve and opportunity to understand traditional techniques and practices that has been afforded to very few architects still practicing in the region. As the only new build in the conserved and preserved district, careful consideration was given the orientation and location of the Burjeel – windtower to capture the shoreline winds yet protect from any moisture, salt and sand ingress to the highly sensitive atmospheric museum conditions required internally. This scheme was fundamental in understanding the connections to the past of the people and place and was key in igniting the passion and longevity of a 30 year career, living and working in the region, delivering social infrastructure works that addressed the age old principles of Khaleeji Desert Urbanism. Completed on 7/04/1997.

Project Gallery

sandra woodall-0017.jpg

sandra woodall-0019.jpg

sandra woodall-0021.jpg

sandra woodall-0020.jpg

Sandra Woodall AE

http://www.tangramarchitects.studio
4004, Addax Toer, Al Reem St | 0000 Abu Dhabi