Discover a vision of modern Middle Eastern Design at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. Developed in conjunction with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, estidama (the Arabic word for sustainability) was viewed as a key priority—based upon the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—in order to create responsible development in the UAE’s capital by the year 2030.
Situated on Al Maryah Island, the city’s new business and lifestyle destination, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, gives you a connection to the city and its culture through its central location, as well as its spectacular design.
Director of Engineering George Chapides stresses that intelligent architectural design can also reflect the culture of the place it is in:
“Four Seasons strives to achieve unique interiors that reflect the local context and market, and in harmony with the architecture of the building. Our striking façade is firmly rooted in traditional Islamic and Middle Eastern architecture. The window lattices found on the building are not only inspired by textiles found in the UAE’s souks but they are also firmly rooted in cultural design elements that have a functional purpose.”
The use of the mashrabiya adorning the building is based on an ancient architectural technique in the region. This design principle has been adapted in the modern context on notable Abu Dhabi developments such as the Al Bahr Towers and Masdar City. This element serves three purposes:
It shields the building from the sun’s intense rays. During the summer season, temperatures within the region can reach in excess of 44 Celsius (110 Fahrenheit), which greatly increases energy consumption to cool the building, which features floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
It cools the spaces behind them, creating natural ventilation while reducing the sun’s radiation.
It beautifies the spaces around them through the diffusion of light. This architectural element is most prominent in our stunning lobby in the morning hours. This makes going to a big business meeting in the surrounding Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) or even simply enjoying a coffee in Al Meylas an utter joy.
