Pixel, in Makers District on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, is a groundbreaking project by Dutch studio MVRDV that redefines UAE housing. Featuring 525 apartments and public amenities around a central courtyard, Pixel promotes community interaction and outdoor living, moving away from isolated luxury towers. Its design includes pixelated facades and oyster shell-inspired concrete panels, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s heritage. Read more on SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs notes that Pixel encourages residents to interact and enjoy an environmentally and socially sustainable lifestyle. As the first project in Makers District, Pixel reflects the area's innovative spirit, with Imkan envisioning it as "the new heart of Abu Dhabi." A communal plaza and stepped terraces encourage outdoor interactions at Pixel, a cluster of seven staggered housing blocks in Abu Dhabi by Dutch studio MVRDV.
The seven high-rises, arranged around a central plaza, feature pixelated inner facades. The tallest tower reaches 92 meters. The plaza offers eateries, shops, a gym, a healthcare clinic, a nursery, and offices.
Oyster-Inspired Cladding and Diverse Living Spaces
The outer elevations of the towers feature concrete panels with contour patterns by artist Nicole Martens, reminiscent of oyster shells.
MVRDV describes the development as an oyster with a hard shell encasing a delicate pearl, reflecting Abu Dhabi's heritage. Pixel houses 525 apartments, from affordable studios to luxury three-bedroom homes, aimed at fostering interaction among residents from diverse backgrounds. Greenery and water features enhance the plaza's cooling effect.
The towers at Pixel transition into 'pixels' at their bases, creating terraces and bay windows that extend living spaces outdoors. The plaza features water elements and greenery to cool the landscape, with future plans for additional rooftop greenery.
Maximizing Shade and Breeze
MVRDV arranged the Pixel towers to maximize shade and airflow in the plaza while ensuring connectivity to the beach and waterfront.
Large windows and terraces facing the plaza create a pixelated appearance, aligning with the project's name.
Courtyard Facades with Pastel Shade Screens
The courtyard-facing facades feature shade screens made of tiles in 14 pastel shades, inspired by pearl surfaces and the UAE's pearl trading history. MVRDV noted, "The facades facing this plaza truly bring the project to life."
MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs stated that Pixel challenges typical UAE residential typologies. Instead of isolated luxury towers, Pixel encourages outdoor activities, fosters neighborly connections, and invites visitors to the plaza restaurant, promoting an enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle.