Pixel, a recently completed project in Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning Makers District, represents a transformative approach to residential architecture in the United Arab Emirates. Developed by IMKAN and designed by MVRDV, this innovative complex combines 525 apartments with a blend of shops, offices, and amenities, setting a new standard for mixed-use developments in the region.
Pixel Technical Information
- Architects1-19: MVRDV
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Topics: Apartment Buildings
- Area: 85,500 m2
- Project Year: 2017 – 2024
- Photographs: © Jon Wallis, Courtesy of MRDV
With Pixel, we challenged the residential typologies that have become the norm in the UAE. Instead of nondescript, isolated towers made palatable by a veneer of luxury finishes on the interior, Pixel makes it possible for residents to spend some time outdoors, become friends with their neighbours, to invite visitors for a meal in the restaurant in the plaza. It encourages a way of life that is not only enjoyable, but environmentally and socially more sustainable than the alternatives.
– Jacob van Rijs, MVRDV founding partner
Pixel Photographs
Strategic Design and Location
At the heart of Pixel lies a vibrant communal plaza, where seven towers gracefully disintegrate into a series of terraces and bay windows. This design creates a dynamic, interactive space enriched by shading screens of tiles in 14 pastel hues inspired by the lustrous appearance of a pearl. The result is a public realm encouraging outdoor living and community interaction, a rarity in the Emirates.
Situated in the Makers District on Reem Island, Pixel is positioned as a central hub, with its compact towers strategically placed at the site’s periphery. This layout optimizes shading, promotes natural cooling breezes, and establishes seamless connections with the surrounding waterfront and beach developments. The central plaza serves as the social nucleus, poised to house a variety of establishments, including restaurants, cafés, and shops at ground level and community-centric facilities like a gym, medical clinic, and start-up offices on the upper floors.
Architectural Identity and Materials
Pixel’s façades, facing the central plaza, are designed to animate the project’s social spaces. The towers’ bases crumble into “pixels” that spill into the plaza, forming terraces and bay windows. These architectural features extend living spaces into the public domain, inviting residents to embrace outdoor activities, especially during the cooler months. Incorporating water and greenery in the plaza enhances the microclimate, making outdoor environments more comfortable.
The materials that pay homage to Abu Dhabi’s heritage further highlight the design ethos. The development metaphorically represents an oyster, with concrete panels bearing graphic patterns inspired by oyster shells forming the outer façade. The inner façades, adorned with pastel tiles, evoke the image of a pearl. Each tower’s unique color profile adds to the aesthetic appeal and aids in wayfinding within the complex.
Diverse and Inclusive Living Spaces
Pixel offers a variety of apartment sizes, from studios to three-bedroom homes, arranged to foster diversity and inclusivity. With its lively atmosphere, the pedestrian plaza makes lower-level apartments just as desirable as the higher ones, promoting a harmonious mix of different socio-economic groups. This inclusive approach encourages interactions among expats, locals, families, singles, the young, and the elderly, creating a cohesive community fabric.
MVRDV’s design philosophy for Pixel challenges conventional residential typologies in the UAE. Jacob van Rijs, MVRDV’s founding partner, emphasizes that Pixel promotes an outdoor lifestyle, neighborly interactions, and social sustainability. This development offers an enjoyable living experience and prioritizes environmental and social sustainability, making it a model for future residential projects in the region.
Pixel Plans
Pixel Image Gallery
About MVRDV
MVRDV is a renowned Dutch architectural firm founded by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries. It is known for its innovative and experimental architecture and urban design approach. The firm’s portfolio includes diverse projects that challenge conventional design norms and explore new ways of living and working in urban environments. MVRDV’s work is characterized by its bold use of forms and materials and its commitment to creating vibrant and sustainable communities. Notable projects by MVRDV include the Tianjin Binhai Library and the Silodan Housing Block in Amsterdam.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Client: IMKAN
- Founding Partner in charge: Jacob van Rijs
- Director: Stefan de Koning
- Design Team: Edina Peli, Mariya Gyaurova, Mirco Facchinelli, Kristin Schaefer, Katarzyna Plonka, Ole Allin Egebaek, Ronald Hoogeveen, Katarzyna Nowak, Akshey Krishna Venkatesh, Kevin Loftus, Luca Vacchini, Karin Houwen, Guido Boeters, Meng Yang, Diana Sacco, Stavros Gargaretas, Afrodite Moustroufi
- MVRDV Next: Boudewijn Thomas
- Visualization: Antonio Luca Coco, Paolo Mossa Idra, Costanza Cuccato, Davide Calabro, Pavlos Ventouris, Kirill Emelianov, Tomaso Maschietti, Massimiliano Marzoli, Giovanni Coni
Strategy & Development: Willeke Vester - Copyright: MVRDV Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries
- Architect of Record: Dewan Architects + Engineers with Intercon (interior design)
- Engineering and Project Management: Ramboll Middle East
- District Masterplan: RNL
- Infrastructure: Parsons
- Cost Control: Turner & Townsend
- Landscape and public realm design: Bjarke Ingels Group
- Landscape architect: Verdaus
- Lighting: Delta Lighting Design
- Wayfinding & Signage: Dezigntechnic
- Vertical transportation: Cooper Wilcock
- Security: WSP, Consquare
- Artist (façade): Nicole Martens
