- Area:
662 m² -
Year:
2024
-
Main architects:
Fatma al Zaabi, Nora Al Awar, Afnan Amin
Text description provided by the architects. The Saddling Box & Private Deck redefines the riding architecture by fusion of cultural authenticity, functionality and refined aesthetics. It was developed as a double structure and serves both as a calm resting area for the driver and as an increased social space for meetings after the race. The project integrates seamlessly into its surroundings and respects both riding traditions and dubais increased architectural standards and celebrates grace and rhythm of the horse movement.
The project is located in Jebel Ali RaceCourse (Jarc), a landmark of Dubais Raceing Legacy and pays homage to an event location that has been of central importance since its foundation in 1990 under the direction of HH Sheikh Ahmed. Jarc continues to keep his mission a first-class horse race, to celebrate the cultural heritage and to engage the community with integrity and passion.
The architectural language of the saddle box and the private deck is based and rhythm and is inspired by the graceful power of the horse and the flowing choreography of the preparations at the race. Each element of the design reflects fluidity and movement and ensures a seamless transition between rooms, humans and horses. The play of light and shadow further improves experience and creates a dynamic interaction between architecture and the environment all day. Openings and structural orientations enable natural light to assert themselves and move the patterns across the room while the sun moves over us. The thoughtful integration of the air movement ensures a feeling of openness and makes it possible to cross the structure and to strengthen the connection between the driver, horse and nature.
The floor priority prioritizes horse comfort and includes a soft, non -disruptive range of materials that ensures the safety and lightness of the movement. The upper deck acts as an exclusive visual platform and offers a panorama vantage point and at the same time holds a seamless connection to the racetrack and its energy. The structure follows the natural rhythm of the horses and ensures effortless cycle and a feeling of continuity between rider, horse and spectators.
A carefully curated material range defines the aesthetics and functionality of the project:
• Timber wood boards introduce warmth and natural beauty.
• Rubber plastic ensures that the horses, impact-resistant, on impact-absorbing surfaces.
• Exposed aggregate and gravel reinforce a connection to the site.
• Gabion walls, filled with stone from the region, strengthen the structure and at the same time create a visual harmony with the natural environment.
The design process prioritized precision and efficiency, which ensures seamless integration between materials and structural elements. The increased deck was designed for minimal structural effects, which means that an open and airy spatial experience is preserved, which enables the audience to deal with the energy of the race track and at the same time maintain a sophisticated feeling of exclusivity.
The Saddling Box & Private Deck is more than just a structure, but an architectural homage to the art of riding art. It celebrates Jarc's legacy, the fluidity of the movement and the timeless bond between the driver and horse. Through the considered use of materiality, spatial fluidity and the short-lived interaction of light, shadow and air, it creates a new benchmark for high-end-rating architecture in the region, which is rooted in the tradition, which is shaped by the rhythm of the movement.
