The project is inspired by the fluid and curved forms of the wind-blown desert when shaping the internal and external spaces at the lower levels, especially the structural columns and ceiling of the reception area. These flowing forms are a local reference from local natural forms, representing openness and approachability to local people – this is intended to be a building which an Emirati will feel welcome to use.
Three fluid and curved columns grow out of the lower dune-shaped topography on the ground floor and flow upwards to form the striking ceiling to the Reception Area. The intriguing opening in this ceiling gives views into the floors of the building above to approaching visitors.
In contrast to the fluid forms of the lower levels the upper floors have a simpler geometry, containing businesslike racks of functional space encased in transparent glass with a fine shading veil of stainless steel mesh surrounding it. This part of the building speaks of the importance the ADAA’s purpose as well as its confidence as it goes about its work. The architecture is therefore developed out of the interplay between strength and transparency, and the tension between these fluid elements and spaces and the geometrically
more simple upper level volumes.

Client: Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Program: Office, Trainig Center, Conference, Library, Canteen
Area: 12.000 sqm
Status: Competition 2011
Local Partner: BEAD Architects and Engineers
Design Team: Nick Benner, Martin Henn, Markus Jacobi, Agata Kycia, Paul Langley, Biljana Lojanica, Klaus Ransmayr, Max Schwitalla