Set in the middle of the Corniche beach plaza is a large three storey structure that looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. With blue fabric stretched in all directions, Wendy (as it’s called) welcomes onlookers and visitors into her scaffolding upheld structure. Adjacent solar panels and water units are part of the installation that proudly claims to be completely off the power grid. The brainchild of edgy and renowned architects Marc Kushner and Matthias Hollwich, Wendy makes her UAE debut as a testament to how architecture can help the environment, as well as people. We spoke to the creators, HWKN (Kushner and Hollwich’s architecture firm) about their design, as well as the new philosophy they are keen to promote.
Until February 6, Wendy will purify the city air at Al Sahil Maydan Plaza; the main entrance to the Corniche beach. In 2012, Wendy appeared as the winner of the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) PS1 Young Architects Program. Version 2.0 in Abu Dhabi is completely powered by solar panels, thanks to the efforts of Masdar. The blue fabric used in the structure is treated with a titania nanofilm, an innovative creation, that helps to neutralise airborne pollutants. In addition, Wendy 2.0 also provides shade, shoots out cool mists of water and can even play music.
Standing beside their looming artwork, architects Marc and Matthias speak passionately about the different ideals that Wendy embodies. Her arrival coincided with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on January 13, a time when delegates from all over the globe visit.
With renewable and sustainable energy as the hot topic on so many people’s lips, Wendy’s silent stance speaks volumes. As this structure attests, sustainability can be factored into design; yielding captivating outcomes that also serve the preservation of our environment. ‘Sustainability is obviously important for our future,’ Matthias tells us. ‘And it can easily be incorporated into current designs and residential spaces.’ The architects speak passionately about hoping to make more people excited about adopting the green cause in architecture.
When asked about the concept of Wendy, Marc reveals, ‘We are very process-driven architects; it’s very much about working with the client and diagnosing their needs. In this case, our client was nature.’ Matthias adds, ‘We hope Wendy gets implanted in everyone’s minds. Architecture is a communication tool; we want to make people enthusiastic about combining beauty along with sustainability.’
Another purpose of the structure is to act as a community space; ‘A meeting point where people can interact and visit, a civic space,’ Matthias reveals. Wendy is all about creating an inviting open public space, where people can congregate in a relaxed and informal setting. In this sense, Wendy transcends cultural barriers and is able to bring people together regardless of geographical ties. ‘One thing that really excited us about bringing Wendy here’, says Marc, ‘Is that there are so many architectural styles in Abu Dhabi; making it a great scene to try out new and experimental constructions.’
Helping bring Wendy 2.0 to the city is the Sheikha Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, which has been dedicated to creating positive experiences for the inhabitants of Abu Dhabi. Incorporating art is a strong element that the Foundation tries to inject in to many of its projects. Dr Salvatore LaSpada, the Foundation’s executive director, says, ‘Much of what we do at the Sheikha Salama Foundation has a strong focus on the community and creating opportunities for community engagement’. Furthermore, the project was supported by Masdar and Shawati’ projects.
Sadly, in the world of architecture, most of the changes over the years have only pertained to design and human comfort. Hopefully, the work of Marc and Matthias will drive a new world order, where our environment and its care are factored into every design and engineering plan of future buildings. In the meantime, you can sample the unique attributes of Wendy 2.0 up close and personal, as she visits our city for the first, but hopefully not last, time.
To contact the Sheikha Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, email contact@sshf.ae (02 499 1928). To contact Shawati’ Magazine visit www.shawati.ae (02 631 4831). To learn more about HWKN visit www.hwkn.com. To learn more about Wendy visit www.meetwendy.com.
