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Tadao Ando unveils the design of the new performing arts center in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Tadao Ando unveils the design of the new performing arts center in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Tadao Ando has unveiled designs for a new performing arts center in Aljada, Sharjah. “II Teatro” is a 2,000-seat auditorium featuring a gallery and event space that will serve as a focal point within the masterplan for the Aljada project. The Textile District, dedicated to art, culture and design, will contain a theater and a multi-layered cultural square. In collaboration with local developer Arada, the project is expected to be completed in 2027, serving as a true reflection of Tadao Ando’s architectural simplicity.
Il Teatro is set up to present various events, such as festivals, concerts, films, opera, theatre, dance, ballet and musicals. The two-story soaring plaza, open-air amphitheater and dramatic arch provide a multi-layered experience, uniting indoors and outdoors. Through events and activities, the square hopes to encourage the creative community in the region.
Theater at Aljada will leave a lasting impact on generations through its focus on culture and art. I designed the central structure of the building to be round like the Earth, as I wanted to create a new world inside that would attract not only locals, but also visitors from all over the world. -Tadao Ando
Two “green spaces” or urban parks, with dense tree cover and rich vegetation, will provide residents of the Creative District with access to Il Teatro. On both sides of the parks there will be cafes, workshops and artists’ studios. In fact, a full calendar of events, shows, exhibits and activities is available to neighborhood residents, right near their front door.
As for the neighborhood, it is expected that the first houses in the Textile District will be completed this year. In fact construction is already underway. The idea is to complete the theater and arena building on Aljada in 2027, with construction to begin next year. With an area of 2.22 million square meters, Aljada is the largest project to be implemented in Sharjah and a destination that will completely transform the emirate. It is a green urban masterplan that includes several residential areas, a business park and large commercial, hotel, entertainment, sports, educational and healthcare components.
Sharjah is a cultural center in the United Arab Emirates that combines tradition and modernity and is famous for promoting arts and culture. On November 11, the Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2023 opened to the public with a comprehensive program focusing on the main theme “The Beauty of Impermanence: The Architecture of Adaptability.” While in Sharjah, the ArchDaily team had the opportunity to meet the exhibition’s curator, Tosin Oshinovo, to discuss her curatorial vision and the festival’s most important principles. Finally, ArchDaily has compiled a Sharjah city guide featuring 18 contemporary and historical attractions to discover in the cultural hub of the UAE.
(Tags for translation)Architecture
