Everyday Icons / Hiding In Plain Sight (Abu Dhabi)
No.0019 - Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Corniche Road
Designed by Rothermel Cooke Architects, the Sheraton Hotel and Resort first opened its doors in 1979 - six years after the Hilton became the first international chain hotel in the City.
Its distinctive design language created a uniquely ‘Abu Dhabi’ structure and is instantly recognizable to most (if not all) residents. But the architectural language is not just for aesthetics - the vertical cylindrical volumes along the facade are designed to provide privacy between neighboring balconies, as well as to create small nooks / workspaces inside the hotel rooms.
Once occupying a shore-front location, it has since been surrounded by several modern tower developments and the new Corniche road. However, its own private beach front now enjoys a more sheltered ‘lagoon’ environment.