Arada unveils “El Teatro” at Aljada, Sharjah’s new arts hub
Sharjah 24: Japanese architect Tadao Ando has been selected as the designer of Il Teatro, a new performing arts center that will play a prominent role in Aljada, Sharjah’s largest lifestyle community. Arada, the master developer of the Aljada project, has unveiled designs for the stunning El Teatro building, which will anchor the community’s cultural fabric district.
An integrated cultural complex spanning 260,000 square feet, the theater on Aljada and the surrounding square will host a wide range of shows and performances, including opera, theatre, dance, ballet, musicals, concerts, films, art exhibitions and festivals. In addition to a 2,000-seat auditorium, Il Teatro will also include a gallery and a small restaurant.
Il Teatro’s design features Tadao Ando’s signature architectural simplicity, consisting of a pure cylindrical concrete block facing a multi-layered cultural plaza. Il Teatro is further defined by a dramatic secondary feature. A large arched opening enlivens the facade of the building and forms a strong connection between the interior and the exterior.
Spread over two levels, the piazza is an elevated public space perched above a water feature and has a large outdoor amphitheater facing Il Teatro. Created through a series of events and activities, the arena will provide a multi-dimensional experience designed to inspire local artists and the growing creative community in the UAE.
Japan’s Tadao Ando, winner of the 1995 Pritzker Prize, is one of the world’s most famous architects, whose dedication to the beauty of minimalist design has been incorporated into his major works, which include the Church of Light in Osaka and the Azuma House in Sumiyoshi. And the Shizhou Art Museum.
El Teatro is Tadao Ando’s second project in the UAE, following Armani Beach Residences on Palm Jumeirah, which was also announced in partnership with Arada earlier this year.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Vice Chairman of Arada, said: “Aljada Theater represents an exciting new attraction for Sharjah and the wider UAE, and adds significantly to the list of museums, galleries, entertainment venues and other cultural spaces that Sharjah has to offer. Already well-known. .
“We are extremely proud to work with Tadao Ando, who has a long track record of designing exceptional public spaces that wow and engage their visitors, and we look forward to working with him to bring his vision to life.”
“The Theater at Aljada will leave a lasting impact on generations through its focus on culture and art,” said Tadao Ando, founder of Tadao Ando Architects & Associates. “I designed the central structure of the building to be round like the Earth as I wanted to create a new world within that would attract not only locals, but visitors from all over the world.”
“Tadao Ando’s style elegantly incorporates a range of natural elements including stone, concrete, light and water, all of which combine to represent the beauty of simplicity,” said Elie Murad, CEO of Arada Architecture. “This approach has been embodied in the design of Il Teatro and the surrounding plaza, Which will serve as a social and cultural meeting place for everyone.
El Teatro occupies a prime location within the boulevard, as it is located on the main road leading to the main community. It is also located at the center of the Naseej Creative District, a collection of 19 buildings that also includes the Vida Aljada hotel and residential apartment complex that will be managed by Emaar Hospitality.
Residents living in the Creative District will be able to enjoy access to “El Teatro” via two “green spines” or urban parks containing lush foliage and dense tree cover, with workshops, art studios and cafés facing the parks on either side. Those who live in the neighborhood will also enjoy a rich calendar of events, activities, shows and exhibitions, all just a short walk from their front door.
Construction work in the Textile District is underway, and the first homes are scheduled to be completed this year. Work on El Teatro on the Avenue is scheduled to begin next year, and the building and arena are scheduled for completion in 2027.
Spread over an area of 24 million square feet, Aljada is Sharjah’s largest project ever and a transformative destination for the emirate. The avenue contains several residential areas, as well as retail, hospitality, entertainment, sports, education, healthcare and a business park, all located within a green urban masterplan.
With more than 25,000 homes planned for Aljada, Arada has so far completed 6,700 units, along with entertainment space designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, an international school and extensive retail, dining and landscaping facilities.
