The new galleries for the Sharjah Art
Foundation, are located within the ‘Heart of Sharjah’ heritage area taking
architectural cues from the historic building footprints, urban fabric and
traditional built forms of its surroundings.
As with any Museum or Art Gallery, the exhibition spaces are
introverted, offering spaces for contemplation and reflection. The exterior of
the individual galleries buildings have been kept relatively blank externally
maintaining an impassive dominance over the streets. This reinforces the
boundaries of the buildings and thus directs circulation through the site while
external courtyard spaces are woven through the streets and buildings providing
gathering & breakout spaces. Carefully framed views & openings create
glimpses of the open spaces, courtyards and galleries beyond. The development is comprised of six galleries varying in
scale and height capable of catering for different display requirements and
flexibility within the exhibition spaces. The majority of the buildings are
single storey with higher internal spaces in places creating a varied external
skyline. Hidden roof lights bring natural lighting into the deeper spaces, and
borrowed light from horizontal openings light the smaller galleries. Public
roof terraces & connecting bridges provide an upper level of circulation
offering views through the lower streetscape, courtyards and surrounding
heritage.
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