Canal Walk

JT + Partners

Project description

The project is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, where the site is currently vacant and is used as a local park and playground for the surrounding community. The urban fabric is completely disconnected due to the nature of the existing buildings and also the road network. The site presents an opportunity to connect this and create a public destination that would enhance the public realm and strengthen connectivity. The concept is therefore exploring the connectivity element by creating a strong link between the development and its context. An open street axis will act as the main spine for the mall and stitch the canal to the beach through themed public plazas. On the upper floors, all the elements of the mall are stitched together through elevated pedestrian bridges, creating a seamless indoor shopping experience. The mall will contain a mixture of sheltered and linked indoor and outdoor public spaces. The design of these spaces supports flexible functionality that can be used both during the special events period and day-to-day use without interruption. The mall sets a benchmark for the Middle East region innovatively proposing a large percentage of its circulation completely open to the weather. Being in a hot ambient like Abu Dhabi where the summer can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius, the temperature control and thermal comfort is achieved using strategic vernacular strategies of shading and cooling the air using water impluviums.