Arada and American University of Sharjah (AUS) have signed an agreement that will involve students of architecture from one of the Gulf’s leading educational institutions to design a pavilion in Aljada, the record-breaking project being built by the UAE developer. The partnership will see AUS undergraduate architecture students and faculty design the Aljada Pavilion, a structure located in the focal point of Aljada, the Central Hub, the masterplan for which is being designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

L to R: Associate Professor Jason Carlow from the AUS College of Architecture, Art and Design, Melissa Bayik, Head of Brand, Arada, Elie Mrad, Head of Architecture and Design, Arada, and Damiano Rizzini, Associate, Zaha Hadid Architects

The Aljada Pavilion, which is scheduled to open in September 2019 following the year-long course at AUS’ College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), will constitute a space for the public to gather in and around and will be architecturally innovative in its design. It will form part of the first phase of the 1.9 million square foot Central Hub, a new leisure and entertainment destination for the UAE. The distinctive design of the futuristic complex conceptualises the first moment a water droplet strikes the earth’s surface, captured in an array of elliptical buildings.

The Arada partnership will provide AUS architecture students with a unique opportunity to engage in a design project from concept to completion. It will also offer students an invaluable learning experience into various areas of architectural practice, including design development, coordination with consultants, project management and contract administration during the construction process.

The Arada partnership will provide AUS architecture students with a unique opportunity to engage in a design project from concept to completion

As part of the design process, a design studio of senior architecture AUS students visited the Arada headquarters in Dubai Festival City on 30 September 2018 to present their research, concepts and prototypes. They were accompanied by Associate Professor Jason Carlow from the College of Architecture, Art and Design, who is coordinating the partnership with Arada. Melissa Bayik, Head of Brand, Arada, introduced the company’s approach to development, and its commitment to architectural excellence, while Damiano Rizzini, Associate, Zaha Hadid Architects, explained the concept development and architectural processes behind Aljada’s Central Hub.

Elie Mrad, Head of Architecture and Design, Arada

Professor Carlow introduced the theme for the project: “We focused on studying and transforming performative aspects of the vernacular architecture of the Middle East. We then considered how these aspects could be interpreted as digitally designed and materially provocative constructions.” Elie Mrad, Head of Architecture and Design, Arada, assisted Rizzini and Professor Carlow with reviewing student progress so far, and provided the AUS undergraduates with constructive critique and new ideas.

Bayik said: “We believe the day was a great success, and the level of debate left everyone happy about the results this partnership between Arada and AUS can bring. Zaha Hadid Architects were impressed with the material presented to them, and the students were enthusiastic and committed. We are extremely proud to be able to facilitate these discussions and invest in architectural excellence in the Middle East through such a strong institution.” Carlow added: “The Aljada Pavilion project creates a unique, project-based learning experience which encourages students to address the challenges and constraints of an actual project through creativity and critical thinking.”

As part of the design process, a design studio of senior architecture AUS students visited Arada headquarters in Dubai Festival City

Unveiled in September 2017 by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Aljada is the Emirate’s largest mixed-use megaproject. The masterplan is carefully designed with walkability and wide green spaces in mind, allowing residents, workers and visitors the ability to live, work, play and be entertained within a fully integrated and sustainable community. Construction on Aljada began in April 2018, and the entire project is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Related: Arada announces record sales valued at AED545 million at Cityscape Global 2018