Wahat Al Karama Memorial is not just an internationally significant monument and pavilion of honour in Abu Dhabi, it’s a testament to the creative collaboration between artists and architects. The expressive union shared by Brisbane-based architecture firm bureau^proberts and design consultancy Urban Art Projects (UAP), has culminated in their project being shortlisted at this year’s World Architecture Festival in the ‘Civic and Community - Completed Building’ category. 

Director of bureau^proberts, Liam Proberts, said his team joined the project to help realise the vision of the memorial for British artist Idris Khan. “Idris Khan is one of Britain’s most important interdisciplinary artists. It was extraordinary to be able to work alongside him on a project of such magnitude,” Liam commented. 

“The conceptual direction of the project was conceived by Idris to create a park for reflection on loss and remembrance; a spiritual place that conveyed unity and support. This would be embodied in the monument, however as our relationship with the project deepened, the idea of the pavilion emerged.” 

The monument is made up of 31 aluminium-clad leaning tablets, the largest soaring 23 metres in height. The tablets appear to gently rest on each other representing the united strength of the seven nations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Each section features a series of Arabic poems and quotes, enticing the viewer to read, reflect and touch the artwork, creating a personal relationship with the Memorial. 

At the centre of this semi-buried circular structure is seven standing glass panels by the artist, and 2,800 aluminium plates inscribed with the names of the UAE’s heroes. The two parts are connected via a water feature. Each space provides a unique environment for citizens to pay respect to those who have served their country. 

“As a practice, we have a long history of working with artists to elevate civic spaces through meaningful urban infrastructure projects,” Liam reflected. “This type of partnership gives us – as architects - the opportunity to step outside the confines of standard processes and be much more gestural.” 

Commissioned by the Crowne Prince Court Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the memorial is located on a 46,000-square-metre area between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Armed Forces General Headquarters. 

Bureau^proberts are an award-winning, Brisbane-based architecture firm who have been at the forefront of transforming South East Queensland’s urban fabric over the past 25 years. The practice has grown to cater to burgeoning urban renewal opportunities from boutique developments to large-scale multi-residential, mixed use and public projects. In recent times, they have broadened their scope to work on national and international projects in Asia and the Middle East. 

News via bureau^proberts.

See also:

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KA House, an artist’s home by Erginoğlu & Çalışlar Architects, Turkey

Where to live in Abu Dhabi