BLUE WAVE

Blue Wave
Saadiyat Island | Abu Dhabi | UAE

Blue Wave is a vibrant transformation of Mamsha Beach, a waterfront master plan designed to rejuvenate the coastline of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Commissioned by Aldar Properties, this reimagined project introduces a dynamic, fluid design that transforms the promenade into a destination for leisure, relaxation, and social interaction.

The defining feature of Blue Wave is its signature blue pavement, which undulates across the entire master plan like a wave along the shore. This element visually ties together the different zones, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for visitors. The blue pavement meanders through the project, leading people through carefully curated spaces that offer a variety of activities and experiences.

The blue pavement features dedicated lanes for both pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing the flow of movement throughout the space. Cooling stations and resting spots are strategically placed along the way, making it a comfortable journey for all. Cyclists can traverse the 1.5-kilometer length of the promenade in just minutes, with ample opportunities to stop and relax.

In designing Blue Wave, the concept moved away from a traditional central attraction, instead dispersing activity throughout the entire promenade. This strategy transforms the space into a large-scale, interactive urban experience. Visitors are encouraged to explore the entire area, engaging with various urban elements—seating areas, playful features, public pools, shaded lounges, sports courts, an open-air cinema, and more. Each section of the promenade offers something new, creating a rich and immersive environment for families, children, and young adults alike.

The project is thoughtfully organized into distinct zones to cater to different interests. The Active Beach Zone is a lively area designed for young people, offering sporting facilities, climbing walls, and social spaces for outdoor activities. Moving further along, the Water Sports Zone provides a balanced mix of fun and relaxation for families and children, with water-based activities, pools, and playgrounds. At the far end of the promenade, the Pier becomes a hub of excitement, featuring viewing platforms, sunbathing decks, and expansive areas for large events and performances, set against the backdrop of Saadiyat Island’s iconic cultural landmarks, including the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museums.

On the quieter eastern edge, the Private Beach offers a more intimate and exclusive retreat, complete with luxurious lounge areas and an open-air cinema for daily movie nights. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, this zone retains the same flowing design language, integrating seamlessly with the broader vision of the promenade.

Throughout the promenade, the undulating concave and convex shapes of the design take inspiration from the grid of the beachfront residential buildings, creating a harmonious rhythm between the built environment and the natural coastline. The concave sections facilitate easy beach access and host various activities, while the convex areas extend outward toward the sea, forming mini-piers and plazas that serve as focal points for gathering and entertainment.
The inclusion of a dedicated bikeway enhances the experience, offering both locals and visitors an enjoyable and efficient way to explore the entire waterfront, further emphasizing the promenade’s connectivity and accessibility.

The Blue Wave master plan transforms Mamsha Beach into a model of outdoor leisure and social interaction, seamlessly blending innovative urban design with the serene beachfront. It creates an inviting environment that encourages exploration, connection, and relaxation, redefining the promenade as a vibrant social platform and a prime destination for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

CREDITS:

PROJECT NAME: Blue Wave
DESIGN: 100 Architects
100 ARCHITECTS’ TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Lara Broglio, Mónica Páez, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang.
CLIENT: Aldar Properties
SIZE: 1,500 m of coastline
STATUS: Concept Design
LOCATION: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi (UAE)

The winding desert breeze becomes solid elevated walkways.

The conceptual proposal intends a bold architecturalization of that unique feeling of the sea breeze caressing the skin when arriving at a bespoke tourist destination on holiday.
We have focused our efforts on creating a plastic gesture that could become both, an urban and a natural landmark not only in Sharjah but in the entire UAE and beyond. An eye-catching way of activating the city coastline to attract locals, international visitors, nature & sports lovers, etc.