„The Souk” in Central Market

©Irfan Naqi

In Abu Dhabi, the famous London architects Foster + Partners are building the Central Market, a complex of shops, offices, hotels and
apartments. The key feature of the 500,000 m² complex is a shopping mall based on the example of a typical Arab Souk, a traditional
market. Large ornamental windows made of coloured glass create a special lighting atmosphere within the Souk. This insulating glass
was developed and manufactured by OKALUX according to the design specifications of the architects.

For the spectacular „The Souk“ project in the Central Market in the thriving metropolis of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab
Emirates, the company supplied individual façadeglazing, recreating the style of Arab ornaments. The elements are essential design
components of the large, modern shopping centre in traditional style, covering almost 15,000 m² in the heart of the new quarter in the
old town of Abu Dhabi.

©Irfan Naqi

The façade components, which measure 7 metres tall and 2.8 metres wide, consist of bulk-dyed glass in various shades of blue and yellow. Their special shape is striking: the panes are incorporated into a steel frame, which forms a geometrical pattern of stars and rectangles. The design followes precisely the ideas of the architects and, furthermore, is adapted to the climatic conditions of the city in the Persian Gulf: The panes are made of insulating glass with solar protection glass on the outside and coloured glass on the inside. This enables the glass to contribute to maintaining pleasant temperatures in the building all year round. But first and foremost, the ornamental windows create a wonderful lighting atmosphere in the Souk. Yellow and blue stars shine on walls and floors, and call to mind the special qualities of traditional Arab markets with their vivid colours, patterned fabrics and clothing as well as the sunlight, which illuminates the floor between the merchants‘ stalls.

Project: „The Souk” in Central Market
Location: Abu Dhabi/VAE
Project volume: 870 m2
Architect: Foster + Partners, Abu Dhabi/VAE
Execution: Shenyang Yuanda Co. Ltd., Shenyang/CN
Completion: 2010

Further Information:
Foster + Partners

Okalux