Located in the city of Sharjah, the African Institute is soon to be the largest cultural and research center dedicated to the study of Africa, the African diaspora, and Arab culture in all of the United Arab Emirates. Designed by Adjaye Associates, this cultural center is set to open in 2023. It consists of a series of five separate buildings all harmoniously working together to stand out in Sharjah's skyline. The buildings will be connected by a shared courtyard to bring the spaces together. The buildings draw influences from Gulf, Timbuktu, and Hausa architecture, which speak to the African continent's rich architectural diversity.
Complete with a theater, lecture rooms, and an abundance of unique teaching spaces, the African Insitute will be a dynamic space for conversation, growth, and cross-cultural exchange of knowledge.
Photo Credits: designboom, adjaye
Image Credit: https://www.adjaye.com/work/the-africa-institute-2/
Why This Trend Is Growing
- African Diaspora Studies
- Opportunities for research on the rich African architectural diversity and the diasporic culture in the UAE can present new ways for cross-cultural exchange among scholars and practitioners.
- Cultural Tourism
- The creation of a landmark cultural center can boost cultural tourism and enhance the UAE's position as a hub for cross-border cultural exchange.
- Innovative Architectural Design
- The use of Gulf, Hausa, and Timbuktu architecture can inspire new and innovative approaches to design and create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange among architects and designers worldwide.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- Architects can leverage diverse architectural traditions showcased in the African Institute to develop new styles, designs, and materials that can disrupt the global architecture industry.
- Higher Education
- Educational institutions can leverage the unique teaching spaces and research opportunities presented by the African Institute to offer courses and exchange programs on African diaspora studies and cultural tourism.
- Cross-cultural Exchange
- Tourism, cultural institutions, and businesses can leverage the cross-cultural exchange opportunities presented by the African Institute to create new products, services and to promote understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural traditions.
