Concrete at Alserkal Avenue

Photograph by Haitham Al Mussawi

Concrete at Alserkal Avenue, Rem Koolhaas/OMA, 2017

Concrete, which was conceived as a flexible event space, is located on Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, an industrial and production area in western Dubai. While Al Quoz maintains its historic industrial appearance, it has shifted towards establishing itself as a cultural and small business hub. Situated in front of the main outdoor public space, Concrete readapted the existing structure of four former warehouses into a space for exhibitions, talks, and seminars. The building’s moveable walls and ample natural light prioritize multifunctionality and fluidity between the indoors and the outdoors. Much of the material, including the concrete and mirror pieces integrated into the façade, were sourced locally.