The brief for this project was to create a commercial space on the university campus in Sharjah - a one a of a kind, Research Technology and Innovation Park(RTI). The complex, which consists of two large atriums, several leasable offices for start-ups, incubators, anchor offices for blue-chip tenants as well as the HQ offices, spans over 25,000sqm. The RTI building had a very specific goal – create a physical hub to encourage collaboration between academia and industry to produce thriving new companies. The brief called for majority of the space to be dedicated to co-working spaces for University students and faculty working on entrepreneurial ideas which included maker-spaces, exhibition spaces and an auditorium along with ancillary spaces like meeting rooms, seminar & multipurpose halls, gymnasium and a creche. In addition to this, part of the floorplate was to be rented to international and regional companies looking to set up innovation centres in the region. In essence, this space was made to be flexible, created for those searching for an engaging and inspiring place to work, interact and learn. The building has two distinct atriums, each making a dramatic design statement though its own interpretations of the concept. The 18m wide domes in each atrium were treated with organic shaped metal grids at different levels, creating an illusion of movement for the visitor when passing through the space. Two giant parametrically designed, stretch fabric clouds, suspended from an imposing height of 30m, are the standout design feature of the first atrium. The algorithms were inspired by the flowing lines of the falaj system, albeit it an abstract way. Weighing close to a ton, Roar worked in close collaboration with the contractors to realise the ideal suspension system with minimal structural and design impact to the clouds. The second atrium is the green atrium. Again, inspired by the falaj narrative, the slab edges were treated with a 3D metal mesh feature with meandering rod forms. Having taken over 5 months from rigorous design development to installation, this architectural feature is composed of over 11,000 metal rods, totalling an overall length of 54,000m. Interspersed with plants and indoor lawns, biophilia was introduced to positively impact the experience of people using the space. Efficiency and sustainability were key considerations in the design of this building. The interior lighting specified for the common spaces is set on strategic dimmer controls for energy saving and all of the architectural lighting goes on a 10% performance level during the daylight. We worked with Sharjah-based waste management specialist to create a range of furniture and other items from recycled rubber. We also worked with the Ministry of Agriculture on innovative and experimental ways of growing plants and crops, such as lettuces, indoors as part of our research in to the Falaj irrigation system. Finally, we sourced materials within the UAE and neighbouring countries wherever possible to minimise delivery miles on hard surfaces. Lauded as the best Government building in the UAE, the building has been extremely well received since it was opened by the Ruler of Sharjah in September 2020. The show-stopping elements in both atriums have helped the client to market the building to potential businesses and blue chip companies looking to host events and take up office space. The loose furniture in the atriums has provided the client with the flexibility to use these areas for events and exhibitions and, most recently the largest 3D printing exhibition in the region was hosted there. The design narrative was inspired by the falaj irrigation system, which was used in Sharjah 5,000 years ago by Bronze Age settlers. The falaj system gave life to communities, allowing them to grow crops in the desert. The principle - applying a ground-breaking technology to solve real world problems - was the central mission of AUS Enterprises. The interior design brings this story to life in multiple ways. It is baked into the core of the building in that it inspires the circulation and space planning.