al wathba wetland reserve visitor’s center

Located near Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a sanctuary for several types of rare and endangered flora and fauna. Tasked with creating a visitor’s center to create connection between the nature found in the reserve with the modern city that not only surrounds it, but makes it one of the most accessible nature viewing sites the world over.

Designed as a microcosm of the context it serves, and in doing so, creates a synergistic point of contact between the visitor’s center and the surrounding reserve, people, and city. The result is a sanctuary for those that wish to enjoy the unique experiences offered at the reserve. Providing expansive views from all sides, the building is shielded from the intense solar exposure of the area by referring to the vernacular mashrabiya screens, utilized throughout the region to shield from the sun.