Updated: August 06, 2012, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Abu Dhabi's Sowwah Square
(Abu Dhabi, UAE- August 5, 2012) Sowwah Square August 5, 2012. (Sammy Dallal / The National)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - July 18, 2012 - Updated photos of Sowwah Square which include Jones the Grocer inside the Al Sila tower. ( DELORES JOHNSON / The National )
“We were encouraged to assess the present and design for the future,� says Steven Nilles, a partner at Goettsch Partners, the company which designed Sowwah Square. Silvia Razgova / The National
The tenants lounge on the 29th floor of the Al Sila tower on Al Maryah Island. Delores Johnson / The National
The Galleria and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Delores Johnson / The National
The briefing was to take a blank canvas on the man-made island and create an iconic and instantly recognisable building, using the best materials and technology available. [“That is] everything an architect wants to achieve,� says Mr Nilles. Silvia Ra???
Overt historical references were out, Mr Nilles points out. Instead, the architects went for an international feel, befitting a world-class financial hub. Silvia Razgova / The National
The square is home to the new Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and valued by Mubadala Development at Dh4 billion. Delores Johnson / The National