The residential complex was designed by architects from the MVRDV studio. The ‘Pixel’ estate was built in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The façade of the buildings is decorated with cubes that resemble pixels.
The ‘Pixel’ building complex offers 525 flats. The complex also includes offices and space for retail and services. The centrepiece of the premise is a communal plaza, where the seven towers “spill out” into various formations of terraces and bay windows. The architects have chosen a colour palette of 14 subtle pastel colours, the appearance of which is intended to resemble pearls.
Construction of the complex was completed in 2024.The estate is the first to be completed in the Makers District, a new development being built on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. The island is intended to exemplify a new approach to urban planning in the city and offer an attractive outdoor recreation space and respond to the changing lifestyle needs of the next generation.
The ‘Pixel’ development consists of seven towers that have been moved to the edge of the plot. Their position and height are optimised to provide shade, ensure a free flow of wind and create a visually appealing connection with the waterfront developments. The latter surround the plot on three sides. Residents of the development also have convenient access to the beach.
A highlight of the development is the design of a central square with restaurants and cafés, whose ample shade is intended to provide comfortable outdoor seating. Tenants will be able to enjoy a range of amenities here. The complex will also have a gym, a clinic or a school.
Visual comfort is to be provided by the “pixelated” form of the buildings. At their bases, the towers appear to spill out onto the square, creating terraces and windows in the bays. This has made it possible to extend the residential spaces into the public area. The site’s microclimate is positively influenced by greenery and water.
Life in the flats merges with life in the square, giving the project a sense of place and identity that sets the complex apart from others in the United Arab Emirates, the project’s authors describe.
The choice of materials is also intended to help build identity and social connections. The exterior facades, which are made of concrete panels, were complemented by graphic patterns designed by artist Nicole Martens. The designer was inspired by oyster shells. The expressive shade screens are covered with tiles in 14 different pastel colours. They are meant to be reminiscent of pearls.
The complex has created 525 flats ranging in size from studios to spacious flats for large families.
photos: Jon Wallis
design: MVRDV
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