Louvre Abu Dhabi
LOUVRE ABU DHABI 2019
Architect: Jean Nouvel
Jean Nouvel, 2019
I have been following the design and development of this building since 2007 when I first saw the architect’s drawings and computer rendering. I instantly feel in love with the design, especially in the way that the water is as much a part of the building as the cement and steel. The sketches I saw back in 2007 inspired a pearl design that I entered into an international design competition in the UAE in 2009. It was selected as one of 10 finalists. The piece was made in Dubai and now lives in the Dubai Pearl Museum. I have never actually seen the finished design.
Needless to say, I was beyond excited to finally meet the building I had been following since its conception back in 2007.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is by far one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been in. I must admit I spent more time wandering around in the open air foyer rather than inside the gallery. This is probably one of the only criticisms I have for the architecture - it competes with the art, and the art comes off second best. Which, considering the calibre of art in the collection, is quite an accomplishment by Nouvel.
Note: the above images have had no filters added. The water around Abu Dhabi is genuinely one of the most lush shades of turquoise I have seen.
Below are some of the concept drawings I saw back in 2007 that sparked a decade long fascination with the project:
Computer renderings of the initial design by Jean Nouvel
Source:https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/about-us/architecture
