Following a competition featuring some of the most acclaimed architects from around the world, ARADA has announced that Zaha Hadid Architects will design Central Hub, the centrepiece of Aljada, ARADA’s iconic Sharjah megaproject. 

In line with ARADA’s mission to create a vibrant and sustainable urban centre, Zaha Hadid Architects design for the Central Hub has environmental considerations throughout the plan to minimise resource consumption. It will incorporate the use of recovered and recycled water to allow the vegetation in the precinct to flourish, while the architecture will incorporate active and passive measures to lower the demand for indoor cooling. 

The winning entry conceptualises the first moment a water drop hits the earth’s surface. It is presented in an array of elliptical buildings, designed to channel breeze into civic spaces and courtyards to aid cooling during summer. The central observation tower is surrounded by vibrant public squares that incorporate water features supplied by recovered and recycled water, while canopies will sustain a microclimate at ground level for lush gardens featuring native species. 

Zaha Hadid Architects' design for the Central Hub, Aljada. Image credit Zaha Hadid Architects. Render by VA.

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of ARADA, said: “Zaha Hadid Architects is globally renowned for forward-thinking and transformational urban design. While all of the companies in this design competition offered outstanding designs, Zaha Hadid Architects’ integrated design approach matched our vision for Aljada’s Central Hub as an interconnected destination. This approach is synonymous with ARADA’s mission to develop rewarding and engaging communities, building the Sharjah of tomorrow.” 

The heart of the AED24 billion mixed-use development, the 1.9 million square foot Central Hub will be a significant addition to Sharjah, already widely regarded as a cultural capital of the Arab world. Aljada’s Central Hub will be a major destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a carefully selected mix community facilities and retail and dining experiences.

The first phase of the Central Hub, which will include the opening of ARADA’s hi-tech experiential sales centre, will be launched in the last quarter of 2018. As well as the sales centre, the first phase will also include an adventure activity zone, a food truck destination showcasing home-grown brands, and outdoor events spaces. 

Tariq Khayyat, Head of Region – Middle East, Zaha Hadid Architects, said: “Zaha Hadid Architects is proud to partner with ARADA on a project designed for Sharjah’s community and its visitors. Applying all our knowledge and experience in creating some of the world’s most popular civic spaces, we look forward to working closely with ARADA to deliver the Central Hub; fostering Sharjah’s public realm as a truly global city.”

For more information about Aljada, including additional photos and information about Sharjah, visit ARADA's Aljada website.

See also:

Villa rents in Sharjah expected to see continued growth

Sharjah’s World Architecture Festival Award winning project

Foster + Partners to transform Sharjah landfill with new sustainable masterplan