Sheikh Khalifa Bridge Monument
Saadiyat Island, UAE

Sheikh Khalifa Bridge Monument: Gateway To Saadiyat Island

The scheme draws inspiration from the spectacular falcons in the UAE region and incorporate elements from the local tradition of architectural pattern-making and rich tradition of tent structures. These influences, in combination with the use of state-of-the art architectural technologies, create a more dynamic and refined design proposal.
Facade
The Sheikh Khalifa Bridge facade design takes inspiration from the falcon’s wings and local traditional architecture and pattern making. The diamond stainless steel mesh panels which clad the shell’s surface expand and contract with the changing shell surface
geometry, creating an elegant gradient across the entire surface of the bridge installation. In doing so, the gradient of openings creates a dynamic skin, which reacts to the shell’s overall shape and lighting strategy. The translucent mesh panels fi lter solar penetration preventing potentially distracting shadows from forming on the road surface. Acting as a solar fi lter, the translucent mesh openings also create a soft, ambient quality of natural light in the space below the shell.

Date: 2009
Location: Saadiyat Island, UAE
Architect: Asymptote Architecture
Design: Hani Rashid, Lise Anne Couture
Project Team: Greg Derrico, John Guida, Oliver Dibrova, Zach Hines
Client: Tourism Development & Investment Company
Structural Engineer: Schaigh Bergermann und Partner Stuttgart