Abu Dhabi, UAE

2009

Project Manager and Supervising Engineer for the prelimlinary design of a family of ten bridges to link the previously undeveloped Al Sowwah Island (also know as Suwwah or Al Maryah Island) to the city of Abu Dhabi and to the adjacent Al Reem Island as part of a competition entry.  This included eight new bridges and the retrofit of two existing bridges.  Two of the bridges, being approximately 2,000-ft long (600m) and 1,300-ft long (400m) long, were to be landmark bridges serving as the gateways to the island from the existing portions of the city.  Competition requirements were that all of the bridges should visually relate to one another, including the existing bridges.

Chosen bridge family typology was that of undulating arches, which were adaptable to both the long span landmark bridges and the more subdued minor bridges.  Significant consideration was given to the pedestrian experience in the coastal desert climate.

Managed the preliminary structural and architectural design and assisted with the structural design.

Client: Mubadala Development Company
Engineer and Architect: RFR
Images: RFR

Animated lighting images courtesy of Speirs and Major Associates.