The museum’s galleries are embedded within a sculpted earth mound, evoking the natural topography of the Emirates. Rising above are five aerodynamic steel structures shaped like falcon wings, functioning as solar thermal towers. These towers harness the thermal stack effect—drawing hot air up and out through vents positioned at their peaks, while cool air is brought in at ground level via underground cooling pipes. This passive system reduces energy consumption while enhancing visitor comfort.

Inside, the contrast between the soaring steel forms and the grounded architecture below is striking. Pod-like galleries appear to float above a dramatic, sunlit central lobby carved into the earth, which acts as a natural insulator. This central space serves as a cultural hub, featuring cafés, shops, and flexible areas for poetry readings, dance performances, and informal gatherings. Light and shadow are carefully choreographed throughout the building, drawing from regional architectural traditions that favour subtle, strategic openings to modulate sunlight. Both interior and exterior finishes are rendered in the warm-white hue of Saadiyat Island’s sand, creating a seamless dialogue between architecture and its surrounding landscape.

Sheikh Zayed held a deep conviction that an understanding the past was essential to shaping the nation for the benefit of future generations. His passion for exploring the UAE’s ancient heritage and celebrating the diverse influences that shaped Emirati culture led to the establishment of the country’s first museum in Al Ain in 1971, followed by the opening of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. Today, the museum’s collection includes remarkable Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age artefacts, many of which were uncovered by archaeological teams over half a century ago. These discoveries, from the world’s oldest falaj irrigation system to traces of Bronze Age copper mining, stand as enduring evidence of the ingenuity and resilience of the UAE’s earliest communities and reflect Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to bringing the nation’s ancient history to light.

Zayed National Museum, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

Museum highlights will include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world’s oldest natural pearls, shedding new light on the history of pearling in the Arabian Gulf; the Blue Qur’an, one of Islamic art’s finest manuscripts; and a recreation of an ancient Magan Boat, the outcome of the museum’s first research partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi.

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The first volume showcases Foster’s architectural achievements through handpicked sketches and unpublished images from his archives, whereas the second volume offers personal essays by Foster, illuminating his creative process, inspirations and passion for sustainable, innovative design. His fascination with aviation, for example, has influenced his pursuit of efficiency and fluidity in architecture. Beautifully designed in collaboration with Foster himself, this monograph is as much a visual art piece as it is an exploration of his philosophy. The limited Art Edition includes a signed, one-metre-wide print of his vision for Switzerland’s InnHub community centre. Norman Foster has been awarded the highest honours in architecture, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal and the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. 

Ahead of the Curves serves as a compelling tribute to Foster’s genius, offering readers not only a look at the groundbreaking buildings he has designed but also a deeply personal insight into the inspirations that drive him. This is a must-read for architecture aficionados and a treasure for anyone interested in the visionary design that shapes the way we experience the world.

Available on Taschen.

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