The design for the building of the United Arab Emirates Parliament house in Abu Dhabi attracted some of the very best architecture and design firms from the planet, if not all. But the one that ultimately bagged the rare and prestigious honor of building this marquee structure is Ehrlich Architects, a 32-person firm based in Culver Cit. Unlikely victors say many, but we call it the ‘triumph of a budding design firm with a blossom in the desert’.
Ehrlich Architects, based in LA, California not only impressed everyone that mattered with a design for the parliament house that reflected glorious Islamic tradition, architecture and regional sentiments (which are crucial in case you are building a structure that represents a country), but also incorporated some cool green features to add the modern touch.
The design itself is simple and is being dubbed as a circle within a square. But the five-petaled desert flower on the top was the title clincher. Going to be built on the 1.3 million square foot complex located on the coast of the capital city, the parliament will greet sailors from miles away at nights when its dazzling lighting is set to create new tourist attraction in the Middle East.
With natural cooling shade that will cut down the costs of cooling systems to a degree in the desert and a rooftop solar thermal system that could be used for both lighting and other energy requirements, the new UAE Parliament is set to merge modern eco-consciousness into its traditional majesty.
With soaring domes, wind-sculpted sand dune structures, waterfront, clean energy and the all important political power that will be wielded inside bagging the rights to the design of the UAE Parliament is a monumental achievement for Ehrlich Architects and green architecture alike.
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