Dubai Maritime Museum
The Dubai Maritime Museum project is situated along the historical creek shore. The site is an active space that allows for traditional dhow-building activities.
The museum hopes to pay tribute to the heritage and craft making traditions of the U.A.E. The design of the museum features an undulating green roof and a light box that rests above it. The earth roof transforms into a shaded landscape area that provides public space for gathering. The lower gallery offers a subterranean experience while the upper gallery is characterized by its polycarbonate façade that filters light. The stark contrast between the dark lower floor and the light upper gallery is an analogy to the experience on a ship or vessel.
In addition to the two main galleries, the program offers a café, a souvenir shop, administrative offices and multipurpose rooms. The columns on the lower floors act as displacy spaces. The museum is accessible by car and by metro but also features a connection across the creek by boat that compliments the visitor’s maritime experience. Due to the nature of this studio, comprehensive drawings were made that detailed all aspects of building construction.
Winner of the World Architecture Community Award
© UT-R studio