Everyday Icons / Hiding In Plain Sight (Abu Dhabi) No.0011

Everyday Icons / Hiding In Plain Sight (Abu Dhabi)
No.0011 - City Blocks E16-01 + E16-02, Abu Dhabi

This post is not about any one building in particular, but rather a wider area of downtown Abu Dhabi. These particular photographs were taken in the city blocks contained between Al Falah Street, Al Mawkib Street, Al Zahiya Street and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street - E16-01 and E16-02.

The area is full of interesting buildings and the rich variety of architectural treatments creates a really interesting streetscape.

Two things struck me when walking through the area: firstly, I noticed the recurrence of certain architectural details, elements and treatments found elsewhere in the capital. Secondly, I noticed that the area is still very much focussed on the car. The vast majority of space between buildings is taken up by roads and parking spaces. There is very little open space for those living and working in the area to enjoy.

It will be interesting to see how this area develops in the future, in particular how the cities goal of creating a more sustainable and pedestrian friendly city is achieved.