ODE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

. Relais Signature World . Ode Travel Magazine . 2 0 2 1 . CHAPTER 1 .
Louvre of the sands
a Museum-city
in the sea
A floaWng dome of light and shade
The centrepiece of Nouvel’s vision is a huge silvery dome that appears to float above the museum-city.
Despite its apparent weightlessness, the dome weighs around 7,500 tonnes (similar to the Eiffel Tower in
Paris). Inspired by the cupola, a disCncCve feature in Arabic architecture, Nouvel’s dome is a complex,
geometric structure of 7,850 stars. These stars are repeated at various sizes and angles in eight different
layers. As the sun passes above, its light filters through the perforaCons in the dome to create an
enchanCng effect within the museum, known as the ‘rain of light'. This tribute to nature is inspired by the
palm trees of Abu Dhabi. Their leaves filter and somen the bright sunlight from above to project a dappled
paNern on the ground.
“A welcoming world serenely combining light
and shadow, reflecZon and calm. It aims to
belong to a country, to its history, to its
geography – without being a simple
interpretaZon. And emphasise a fascinaZon with
unusual discoveries.” Louvre Abu Dhabi architect
Jean Nouvel. The Museum is surrounded by
water, where visitors can arrive by land or sea.
Just like wandering the narrow streets of an
Arabian medina, visitors can explore the 55
buildings, of which 23 are galleries. They are
architecturally inspired by the low-rise homes of
the region. Along the exterior walkways, Visitors
can take a break, think about and discuss the
artworks, as well as enjoy the ever-changing
relaConship between sun, sea, art and
architecture.
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