Close

VELA Unveils The View Island at Ajmal Makan City

A Waterfront Community Where Architecture, Nature, and Mindful Living Converge

Vela

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.

The Latest

How Eywa’s design execution is both challenging and exceptional

Mihir Sanganee, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder at Designsmith shares the journey behind shaping the interior fitout of this regenerative design project

Design Take: MEI by 4SPACE

Where heritage meets modern design.

The Choreographer of Letters

Taking place at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation until 25 January 2026, this landmark exhibition features Nja Mahdaoui, one of the most influential figures in Arab modern art

A Home Away from Home

This home, designed by Blush International at the Atlantis The Royal Residences, perfectly balances practicality and beauty

Design Take: China Tang Dubai

Heritage aesthetics redefined through scale, texture, and vision.

Dubai Design Week: A Retrospective

The identity team were actively involved in Dubai Design Week and Downtown Design, capturing collaborations and taking part in key dialogues with the industry. Here’s an overview.

Highlights of Cairo Design Week 2025

Art, architecture, and culture shaped up this year's Cairo Design Week.

A Modern Haven

Sophie Paterson Interiors brings a refined, contemporary sensibility to a family home in Oman, blending soft luxury with subtle nods to local heritage

Past Reveals Future

Maison&Objet Paris returns from 15 to 19 January 2026 under the banner of excellence and savoir-faire

Sensory Design

Designed by Wangan Studio, this avant-garde space, dedicated to care, feels like a contemporary art gallery

Winners panel if hub

Winner’s Panel with IF Hub

identity gathered for a conversation on 'The Art of Design - Curation and Storytelling'.

Building Spaces That Endure

identity hosted a panel in collaboration with GROHE.