Abu Dhabi Corniche Foreshore Redevelopment - Fabric Structures

Applications: Tensioned Fabric Architecture

Location: United Arab Emirates

Completion Date: 2005

The word corniche hails from the French “route à corniche” or “road on a ledge”. In the Middle East it typically describes a waterfront promenade, usually paralleled by a main road such as the renowned Corniche Beirut, or in this case the coastal strip in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Corniche was redeveloped in 2004 and is vibrant space offering opportunities for passive and active recreational activities. In the evenings, the cooling breeze off the Arabian Gulf sees people flock from hotels and places of business to restaurants or to simply walk the promenade.

Central to the landscape are a series of tensioned fabric structures designed and built by Structurflex, a long time Ronstan Architectural partner. Structurflex worked closely with the architect to ensure the realization of his vision for structures that provided functional shade and shelter, while enhancing the beauty of the area.

At the same time their structural form had to be respectful of Arabic culture and reflect subtle Arabic design cues. Ronstan Architectural supplied ACS2 cable systems in various sizes to transfer the loads gathered by the PTFE fabric membrane.

The stainless steel cables offered maximum corrosion resistance to the severe environment and provide the stability and essential structure necessary to hold the striking form of the design. They were manufactured to tight tolerances and delivered to site ready for the installation.

Architect: Parsons International

Engineer: Wade Design Engineers

Product: ACS2-GS

General Contractor/Builder: Al-Muhairy General Contracting

Installation: Ronstan Tensile Architecture

Client/Owner: Abu Dhabi Municipality

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