The site for this building previously included an old structure that was demolished in the 1970’s. The new building relates to the available historic documentation, mainly based on an aerial photograph from 1950. The various offices in this building, which houses the Heart of Sharjah Management Unit, are grouped on two levels around two courtyards and have access to roof terraces. The image blends with the surrounding historic buildings with their plain white rendered walls, and minimum openings to the outside, while the facades of the courtyards are more open with large glazed windows. One block is faced with coral stone as in old Sharjah buildings, and relates to a mass that was seen in an old photograph in its location. One of the intentions for this building is to serve as a prototype for harmonious contemporary interventions in the old city.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture