I first landed in Sharjah in the year 1998, and to this day, I am in love with this contemporary and historical city. Recently, I read an article on the website archdaily.com, which was a great read and was shared by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi on her Twitter account.
Sharjah, the captivating territory in the United Arab Emirates, is a cultural hub that blends tradition with contemporary modernity. Situated on the Arabian coastline, the city is known for its commitment to preserving its rich history, promoting the arts and culture, and providing a platform for creative and intellectual pursuits.
In fact, the 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) will take place from November 11, 2023, to March 10, 2024, under the theme “The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability.” The Triennial is curated by Tosin Oshinowo, exploring innovative design solutions emerging from conditions of scarcity in the Global South.
With a deep-rooted connection to its cultural heritage, the emirate is home to an array of museums that showcase a journey through multiple timelines, from Islamic civilization to traditional lifestyles. Now a hotspot for emerging designers, the city has taken a leading role as a patron of fine arts.
READ MORE: World’s biggest book sale event: Sheikha Bodour opens ‘Big Bad Wolf’ in Sharjah
In the contemporary city, attractions are designed by many architects, from Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, 51-1 Arquitectos, to Hopkins Architects. In addition to this emerging cultural scene, old Sharjah is a valuable embodiment of historical tradition, having been transformed into useable attractions and art facilities.
The old Sharjah also flaunts landmarks such as the modernist King Faisal Mosque, the Museum of Islamic Civilization, and the Sharjah Art Museum.
1- Contemporary
Kalba Ice Factory
51-1 Arquitectos
House of Wisdom Library and Cultural Center
Foster + Partners
Mleiha Archaeological Center
Dabbagh Architects
The Chedi, Al Bait Sharjah
GAJ Architects
BEEAH Headquarters
Zaha Hadid Architects
Butterly Aviary
3deluxe
The Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre
Hopkins Architects
Turtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve
Hopkins Architects
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Center
X Architects
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat
Wael Al Masri Planners & Architects
Masrah Al Qasba Theater
Magma Architecture
2- Historical
King Faisal Mosque
Abdul Rahman Abdul Hafidh Al Junaidi
Museum of Islamic Civilization in Sharjah
Brian Johnson
Sharjah Art Museum
Blue Souq, Sharjah
Michael Lyle & Partners
Al Hisn Fort
Khorfakkan Resistance Monument
Al Noor Mosque
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