STARFISH HUB

A massive public realm activation of pure outdoor leisure and entertainment

STARFISH HUB

05

Feb

2020

Abu Dhabi

Asia/Dubai

English

Population: 1.5 Million1.6 million in 2025

GDP: 268 1.6%

BigMac: 4 us dollars

Starfish Hub
Saadiyat Island | Abu Dhabi| UAE
 
The Project context
Starfish Hub is a massive public realm activation of Saadiyat Marina Village, in the coastline of Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi (UAE), a massive development of new urban areas planned for creating an international attracting landmark for Abu Dhabi.
 
Hidden Starfish Hub | Official Video | 100 Channel



 

© 100architects


The project consists of 5,000 m2 of pure outdoor leisure, fun and entertainment facilities, strategically concentrated in one single multi-functional plaza, seeking a design solution that would transform the plot into a major public destination within Saadiyat Island.
 
 

Fractals used in arabesque architecture


 

Concept diagram of functions concentrically arranged


 

Functional layout diagram


The targeted users are families, children and youngsters seeking a premium destination for spending the day, looking for many different types of entertainment and leisure opportunities, such as water sports, pools, outdoor cinema, concerts & events, commercial spaces as well as dining experiences while enjoying a seaside lifestyle.
 
 

© 100architects


The Retail street
Our first design action was to blend both programs together in only one general proposal and create an eventful retail street that ends in the entertainment space that will act as the attractor and catalyzer of outdoor lifestyle dynamics for the entire activation plot.
 
 

© 100architects


The Entertainment and Attractor platform.
To approach the design of this urban landmark & entertainment space we first studied all the functions and program of activities considered essential and necessary for having an outstanding outdoor lifestyle experience. In that regard, activities were chosen having into consideration all group ages and encompassing all possible interests for young users.
 
 

© 100architects


The Design
We drew inspiration from the starfish commonly found in the Arabian coast. We were inspired by fractals used in arabesque architectural patterns, that when revolving around a central axis, it creates a star-like shape where all the “arms” connect with the center.
 
 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


The 12-pointed Starfish Plaza was conceptually conceived as a radial addition of 12 different programmatic platforms with 12 different functions, concentrically arranged towards a common center, which remains empty as the central plaza to host major events, performances and fairs.
 
 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


The design carefully distinguishes each programmatic platform with its own identity, its own function and even its own monochromatic color palette, in order to make them all eye-catching by themselves and easily recognizable within the system.
 
 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


However, it is the combination of all the platforms together, radially arranged, what makes of this space a major hotspot for social interactions and a model of outdoor leisure lifestyle in the Saadiyat Island.
 
 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


The 12 functions embedded in each of the 12 platforms are such as Outdoor Cinema, Relaxing Pool, Pier Pool, Amphitheater, Chill-out Plaza, Sunken Lounge, Omni-Sport Pitch, Forest Plaza, Hammock Plaza, Tree-House Playground, Picnic Plaza, and finally the Crossing Pedestrian Walkway, which connects the retail street with the beach over the central square. Every functional platform is a component has its own identity and function for a specific user and time of the day.
 
 

© 100architects


This the project becomes a unique and giant mix use platform of public and entertainment spaces where all leisure activities can be found converging in one single center.
The new multi-functional plaza complements the open-air retail street at its end towards the beach, acting as the catalyzer of social entertainment and outdoor activities for the entire plot.
 
 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


 

© 100architects


 
Credits
 
PROJECT NAME: Starfish Hub
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai)
100 ARCHITECTS’ TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Lara Broglio, Mónica Páez, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Inés Chicurel, Adeline Le Cocq.
CLIENT: Undisclosed
SIZE: 5,000 m2
STATUS: Concept Design
LOCATION: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi (UAE)

About

The project consists of 5,000 m2 of pure outdoor leisure, fun and entertainment facilities, strategically concentrated in one single multi-functional plaza, seeking a design solution that would transform the area into a major public destination within Saadiyat Island.

More images

Metropolitan Intervention

What is a metropolitan intervention?
This is the largest scale type of interventions that take place in the public realm of a city, related to the altering of an important portion of a city. A type of intervention of such magnitude and notoriety that impacts not only at neighborhood scale, but rather the way the city is perceived and experienced, becoming a metropolitan landmark, a metropolitan super-attractor of social interactions, and a trendy international destination for local citizens & tourists.
 
This typology combines urban planning and landscape design, intervening the city at waterfronts, bridges, parks, or whole districts, by improving the quality of its public realm, creating spaces of opportunity for collective outdoor leisure, mixed-use entertainment spaces, play & joy, etc. Interventions of this proportions catalyze major social interactions across the city, boosting commercial activity and real estate development.
 
This typology is normally used by Municipalities & Local Governments to revitalize public spaces and establish a unique brand and identity for their cities, making them more functional, aesthetically pleasing, and engaging for the community, with innovative urban solutions that enhance the quality of life and promote economic development & tourism.

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Latest Moments
Special place rich in colors and activities

Special place rich in colors and activities

the huge dome was very soft and colorful, perfeto for a nice picture

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Swinging in Hangzhou

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Challenging truck for little kids

Challenging truck for little kids

I love this truck cause you can follow it with your son and go from one game to another one.

Photo by Camilla Sam

Taken at MĂ WAY

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