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BDP Assumes Design Role at Abu Dhabi's Miza Innovation Hub

BDP was appointed as Lead Consultant to deliver three innovative designs at the MiZa project, an emerging mixed-use, urban innovation hub in Abu Dhabi. The project aims to transform Mina Zayed into Abu Dhabi's design, art, and technology district, seamlessly blending heritage with cutting edge concepts by harnessing the potential of existing warehouse structures and urban architecture.

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Located at the heart of Abu Dhabi, Mina Zayed boasts a rich historical, cultural, and geographical significance. For decades, it has been a bustling centre of trade and exchange, where traditional markets have thrived along the water's edge.

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BDP's role as the lead architects facilitated the delivery of three assets: an office block expansion of the 421 Gallery with two commercial block additions, the MAKE + SEAF artist hub, and the coworking and collaboration centre, now named m39.

The extension to the existing 421 Gallery was fully undertaken by the BDP team, from inception to execution and handover. An open-plan office space for gallery employees, along with artist studios, storage units, and lounges, was designed to meet the growing needs of the 421 community. Adjacent to this, two retail buildings were envisioned to provide spaces for creative businesses and startups, centred around a community-oriented courtyard.

MAKE, an innovation maker space, is set to become a hub for creativity and innovation, while SEAF, an artist university, serves as a beacon of artistic expression and learning. Both are designed to unite art, creativity, and education, nurturing talent and promoting original thinking. DRAW Architecture initiated the conceptual design for MAKE and SEAF as experts in makerspaces, while the BDP MENA team took over the detailed design phase and carried it through to final execution.

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The third and final asset, m39 was envisioned as a thriving ecosystem for makers, builders, designers, and entrepreneurs seeking to learn, grow, and cultivate breakthrough ideas and innovations. More than just a coworking space, it has been designed to offer flexibility, inspire creativity, and foster a holistic artistic community. The architecture was conceived by BDP MENA, while ROAR Design oversaw the interior design conceptualization. As the designated design guardians, the MENA team supervised the design development through to the project's completion.

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Craig Howard, Architect Director and MENA studio lead at BDP, said: "The MiZa project will create a place that embodies the essence of creativity in the UAE. Our role within the project exhibits our commitment to redefining the future of urban spaces in Abu Dhabi. As designers and creatives ourselves, we understand exactly what it takes to make the best, most sustainable places that work for the artists who will use them. We are sure that the new additions will converge tradition and innovation and lay the foundation for a new, dynamic design, art, and technology district in the emirate.”

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Supported by The Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship, the MiZa project acts as a catalyst for nurturing entrepreneurial communities, forging new connections, encouraging collaboration with established organisations, and unveiling investment opportunities. It pays homage to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by enhancing livelihoods and propelling the economies of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.