Construction assessment of Abu Dhabi’s Natural History Museum

Details of the project

Conceived and crafted through a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, the prominent developer of destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum spans over 35,000 square meters. Mecanoo Architects designed the museum to evoke with natural rock formations, aligning with its mission to enhance understanding and connection with the natural world. Integrating seamlessly with water and vegetation, symbolic of life in the desert, the design incorporates geometric motifs featuring pentagonal shapes reminiscent of cellular structures.

The gallery display areas within the museum will showcase its extensive collection, featuring notable pieces such as "Stan," an 11.7-meter T-Rex fossil, and the Murchinson Meteorite. Additionally, the museum will house temporary exhibition spaces for special events and theater facilities. Construction activities, including enabling and marine works, have already commenced at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi site.

As part of Abu Dhabi's overarching vision to establish itself as a hub for culture, arts, and creativity, the museum will join the Saadiyat Cultural District's diverse array of cultural institutions. These include the renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim. Anticipated for completion by the end of 2025, the museum stands as a testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment to cultural enrichment and artistic development.

Details of the tasks entrusted by SOCOTEC

At every stage, SOCOTEC Middle East played a crucial role in backing the project by using their expertise to ensure the project's alignment with relevant standards and regulations. This involved:

• Structural Design Review (Concrete + Steel)
• Inspections
• Piling + Shoring Design Review