A Sanctuary for the senses
The Nobu Hotel & Residences Abu Dhabi presented an interesting & compelling project, with the brand’s core values at the foundation. The brand is people-oriented. With an ethos of genuineness, openness, and integrity. These values acted as a stabilizer for our team throughout this process.
Both the challenge and the creative opportunity lay in crafting an innovative concept that was not only distinctive to the look and feel of Nobu but also carried through the brand values. We aimed to create the perfect balance of ancient traditions and a contemporary style. One where Nobu’s commitment to meaningful connections and understated luxury could shine through.
| Site Area | 25,289 m2 |
| Location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Completion | Approx. 2026 |
| Services |
Architecture |
| Owner(s) | Aldar |
Ancient Traditions Intertwined with a Modern Design
The design team for the Nobu Hotel & Residences Abu Dhabi drew deep inspiration from the culinary legacy of the Nobu brand and the guiding principles of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself. As a globally renowned chef, Nobu’s commitment to blending traditional Japanese techniques with innovative, modern flavors has become a trademark worldwide. This concept of paying homage to ancient culinary traditions while pushing the boundaries to something more contemporary was a driving force behind the design.
Just as Nobu’s restaurants seamlessly fuse Japanese and global influences to create an immersive experience, the architectural vision for the Nobu Hotel & Residences sought to intertwine ancient Arabic and Japanese design elements into a unified, modern masterpiece.
Japanese Heritage
A core Japanese principle for us was the use of fukinsei, or ‘the art of balancing asymmetry’. Due to the plot location, we were forced to think creatively to maximise both space and surrounding views, leading to an asymmetric design base. But contrary to popular belief, asymmetry can add to the overall aesthetic and if carried out effectively can result in a balanced look.
The Japanese principle of shakkei, often referred to as borrowed scenery, was another that instinctively became part of our design. With the stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum and the Arabian sea surrounding The Nobu Hotel & Residences, it was important for us to incorporate this into our design. The principle of borrowed scenery allowed us to create a natural connection to the surrounding cultural beauty of the site.
Pavillions are an important aspect of Japanese culture. When creating the welcome pavilion, it was crucial for us to craft a tranquil and sophisticated space to welcome guests on arrival.
Local Influence
Mashrabiya is an important design element within Arabic culture. We knew from the outset that we wanted to incorporate Mashrabiya into the Nobu design. However, it was challenging to transform this cultural element into a more modern interpretation, that blended with the design goals of Nobu. While challenging, it forced us out of our comfort zone and the final look is one we’re proud of. This feature can be found surrounding the entrance pavilion and on the balcony partitions to each room.
The colour palette was originally inspired by Mediterranean hues. However, we found the earthy tones on the building’s façade created a natural blend with the surrounding landscape. These tones not only aided the aesthetic appeal of the project but also helped to evoke a stronger sense of tranquility for guests.