The Flamingo Visitor Center is located in the Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It serves as a welcoming space for visitors to connect with the natural surroundings. The design focuses on blending into the desert landscape, highlighting ecological concerns. With an emphasis on vertical elements, the building features a floating wooden deck that establishes a strong relationship with nature and facilitates movement throughout the center.

Design Concept

The structure primarily rests on a floating deck, supported by vertical piles that resemble hardscape features. This arrangement clearly separates indoor and outdoor spaces while allowing for easy flow. The design interprets space through pools that are enclosed by a terracotta shell, harmonizing with the landscape through its varied shapes and outlines. The project encourages exploration and interaction among visitors, making each visit an engaging experience.

Materiality

Material choices are crucial to the overall character of the visitor center. The design incorporates terracotta cladding, wood, and precast concrete, emphasizing sustainability and harmony with the local environment. These materials resonate with the natural setting, reflecting elements like vertical grasses and the flamingos that inhabit the wetlands. The color palette remains understated, helping the building fit comfortably within the landscape rather than dominating it.

Functional Spaces

The layout includes various functional areas, such as an information center, café, and training room. Each space is purposefully arranged to support accessibility and visitor comfort. Outdoor terraces extend the experience of engagement with the wetland landscape, encouraging users to appreciate their surroundings more fully.

The Flamingo Visitor Center presents a design language that effectively balances functionality and attention to the environment, creating a space that is informative yet unobtrusive. The careful consideration of each detail contributes to a cohesive whole, allowing the building to resonate with its natural context.