Abu Dhabi Beaches
United Arab Emirates
Hargreaves Associates with GREC architects were commissioned by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) Abu Dhabi to produce a set of guidelines and 2 concept designs for the beaches of Abu Dhabi. Conceived as beach parks rather than ‘traditional’ beach fronts Hargreaves sought to produce a new paradigm for Abu Dhabi’s beaches. Aesthetically the schemes seek a contemporary interpretation of traditional Islamic design principles, mixing expressive ‘calligraphic;’ form with symmetrical rectilinear patternation. Through combining the traditional beach environment with formal and informal sports, formal play, chilled swimming pools, promenades and a supporting retail zone the schemes achieve wide ranging appeal to the local population and the international tourist. The guidelines document equips the client with a set of robust but
flexible rules for creating new beach environments throughout Abu Dhabi. It contains information on conceptual principles, program distribution, retail design, car parking, furniture types & distribution, hard & soft landscape and maintenance. With this document the TDIC can conceive, procure and manage its beaches for present and future generations.