ABU DHABI, 14th January / WAM / Domus International magazine for architecture and design has chosen the Green Corner Building as one of the ten best architectural projects for 2021.
Green Corner is located in Muharraq, Bahrain, and operates under the auspices of the Sheikh Ibrahim Center for Culture and Research.
The project was opened in January last year with the support of the United Arab Emirates to celebrate the Year of Zayed and to promote cultural cooperation between the Emirates and Bahrain.
Embodying the distinguished relations between the two countries, the project aims to preserve the historical heritage and cultural assets of the two countries and to strengthen the bilateral relations between them.
Commenting on the project’s international recognition, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said: “I am delighted to see this project among the top ten architectural designs for 2021. It is a pleasure to see how this project is noticing the world as we work to preserve and restore our heritage and culture. .
“The Green Corner project is an embodiment of the vision of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as it builds on the elements of the environment, nature and heritage. The idea of restoring and redesigning the heritage house was a great way to celebrate this anniversary. The centenary of Sheikh Zayed and we remember him as a true statesman who laid the foundations The cordial relations between the Emirates and Bahrain, and it is located in the historic city of Muharraq which adds to the charm of this project making it the ultimate center for art and culture. FOUNDING PRINCIPLES With outstanding design and architecture, The Green Corner thrives as a center for art and culture today.”
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, said: “Muharraq’s feature in one of the most important architectural magazines in the world goes to show the city. Its rich cultural heritage and the uniqueness of its urban landscape. It also shows the impact of infrastructure projects Cultural and sustainable development is attracting global attention at various levels.
She pointed out that this achievement came as a result of cooperation between Bahrain and the UAE, and thanked the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth for its efforts in implementing the project, especially Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth for her role. Continuous participation in improving bilateral cultural relations between the two countries.
She praised the vision and design of the Dutch engineering company Studio Anne Holtrup, which carried out the project. In addition, the project added how the project added to the image of Muharraq of being a cultural center distinguished by its innovative designs while the city attracts international expertise in the field of design and architectural creativity.
Domus magazine published an entire article on the Green Corner project. The magazine pointed out that the project reflects the ability of architectural designs to create an emotional relationship with their surroundings and establish a dialogue in the language of art and crafts.
The magazine highlighted the impressive facade of the modern building made of large concrete blocks poured with sand and quoted architect Anne Holtrop, who said that the project reinterprets traditional Bahraini building methods that relied on limestone and sandstone.
The Green Corner project is being transformed into a library that houses an art archive in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It will also be a site for the restoration of technical documents and the preservation of ancient books and paintings.
The building was designed by Dutch architecture firm Studio Ann Holtrup, and the building’s interior was the work of Ammar Basheir Creative Studio.
The building’s four floors were constructed by open casting of concrete. While an entire floor is devoted to the restoration of paintings, ancient books, and manuscripts, another floor is used for cultural promotion.
The Green Corner building grabbed the headlines recently and was appreciated by many design professionals when it was featured on the cover of El Croquis, a respected design and architecture magazine published in both English and Spanish.
The building is located next to a famous vertical garden created by the Sheikh Ibrahim Center and designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, founder of the vertical garden technique known worldwide for his distinctive designs.
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