Rosewood Hotel for Abu Dhab
Located in Abu Dhabi’s new Al Maryah Island financial district between the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Cleveland Clinic, Rosewood Abu Dhabi is a new 1,099,000 sq ft (102,000 sq m) luxury, mixed-use development.
The complex includes a five-star 189-room Rosewood hotel, 131 serviced apartments, banquet facilities, meeting facilities, spa, fitness centre, retail space, restaurants, and parking facilities. The inspiration for the design was derived from the falcon and the art of falconry, which has a long history in the Middle East and remains an important part of the local heritage and culture.
The forms, lines and textures of the falcon’s body and feathers inspired the design and initiated the early ideas for the form and expression of the tower. The way in which the falcon’s wings overlap its body inspired the exterior massing and the overlapping volumes and textures of the exterior wall. The design is a sculptural manifestation that reflects the falcon’s beauty, elegance and precision.
Inside, the lobby is bordered on one side with a flowing water feature and on the other with a dramatic wall of art to draw guests into the space with warm tones, clean lines and sleek materials. This is juxtaposed with comfortable furnishings and flowing fabrics in warm colours reminiscent of a local souk. Throughout the hotel, traditional Middle Eastern textiles and details are mixed with modern lines and forms.
Handel Architects