shirish beri

Ras Al Khaima college of Dental Sciences, U.A.E.

2012
Can the design of an institute express its cultural roots as well as aspirations?
The built form of this building is created by interlocking two curvilinear wings. The gaps in between these two wings allow the outside views and landscape to flow into the courtyard. One wing is punctured to include the view of the Hajeera mountains into the inner space. These two curvilinear forms of the two wings not only absorb minimum heat but they create a shaded landscaped courtyard in between. This courtyard has a large sculpture of a reflective black pearl, a symbol of Ras Al Khaima and of knowledge and wisdom. The entrance porch has also been specifically created in the form of a tent canopy to connect to the cultural roots of Ras Al Khaima.
The terraced form of the building grows from the terraced landscape to become a large landscaped sculpture.