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A Waterfront Community Where Architecture, Nature, and Mindful Living Converge
VELA, a new Dubai-based architecture and interior design studio, has unveiled the design for The View Island, a groundbreaking development located within Sharjah’s rising coastal destination, Ajmal Makan City. Poised to redefine the concept of modern, mindful living, the project is a landmark addition to area and is an addition to VELA’s expanding portfolio of human-centric, nature-integrated developments.
Founded this year by Marc Roca, Marc Torres, and Lucas Martinez, and joined by interior design lead Carina Lima, VELA is guided by a contextual and human-first philosophy. The View Island epitomises this vision. Spanning 131,000 square meters along the waterfront, the project blurs the boundaries between architecture and its natural surroundings to offer a lifestyle grounded in warmth, serenity, and flow. Inspired by the gentle rhythm of the shoreline and the sensory calm of beach environments, VELA’s design celebrates organic forms and natural textures. Spaces are curated to transition effortlessly between interior and exterior, encouraging residents to live alongside nature.
“Our design reflects a deep connection between architecture and nature — where every detail, material, and space work in harmony with the environment. We wanted to create a lifestyle that prioritises serenity, warmth, and human connection. The View Island is a reflection of VELA’s belief that true luxury lies in meaningful community living,” said Lucas Martinez, Co-founder, Partner and Architecture Design Director, VELA.
Comprising 69 waterfront villas, 94 mid-unit townhouses, and 103 end-unit townhouses, The View Island is laid out to maximise views, access, and comfort. The beachfront villas are carefully positioned to offer direct access to the sea, while pedestrian pathways seamlessly connect the entire community from the inland roadways to the shoreline. The firm has embraced sustainable strategies throughout the project, employing passive cooling techniques such as deep eaves, pergolas, and light-toned façades to reduce energy consumption that blends climate responsiveness with elegant aesthetics.
“This is our first collaboration with Ajmal Makan, and a second project is already underway — a clear reflection of the trust and creative synergy we’ve built. Our clients returning to us is a testament to VELA’s strong foundation, regional expertise, and reputation for design excellence,” said Marc Torres, Co-founder and Managing Partner, VELA.
At the development’s core lies a sculpted Central Park, a lush, wadi-inspired public space designed to encourage movement, mindfulness, and connection. With its natural curves and diverse topography, the park offers amenities ranging from swimmable lakes, yoga decks, and splash parks to outdoor gyms and a multifunctional pavilion — all integrated with sustainable water management systems.
The View Island is slated for completion in 2027.
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