Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi

Name :Elias Mehanna

ID :202200813
ARCH 416
 Summary

I. History
II. Impact
• Architectural Marvel
• Cultural Exchange
• Integration with Environment
• Technological Advancements
• Influence
III. Man made Island
• Site Selection and Preparation
• Design and Planning
• Reclamation and Land Formation
• Construction of the Island's Infrastructure
• Piling and Foundation Work
IV. Foundations
• Pile Foundations
• Raft Foundations
• Bored Pile Foundations
• Diaphragm Walls
• Ground Improvement Techniques
V. Galleries
• Cladding
• Floating Cube Structure
VI. Double Dome
VII. References
History :
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art museum located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The basis for this is an agreement signed in March 2007 between the United Arab Emirates and France
that allows both countries to use the Louvre's name until 2037. The Louvre Museum is said to be
"France's largest cultural project." It is the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula, with an area of
approximately 24,000 square meters and 8,000 square meters of galleries. The museum expresses its
intention to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western art and exhibits artworks from around the
world. The Louvre Abu Dhabi was opened in 2017 by Jean Nouvel. Jean Nouvel is a French architect.
Nouvel studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and was a founding member of Mars 1976 and the
Syndicate of Architecture, France's first association of architects.

Impact :
The Louvre in Abu Dhabi, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, has had a major impact on the
architectural world for several reasons:

• Architectural Marvel: The museum's design is a brilliant architectural achievement. A

key feature is the iconic dome, composed of a geometric pattern that filters sunlight,
creating a mesmerizing "rain of light" effect throughout the museum space. This
innovative design has been widely recognized and admired by architects and art
enthusiasts around the world.
• Cultural Exchange: Louvre Abu Dhabi is the result of a unique collaboration between
France and the United Arab Emirates. It acts as a cultural bridge and displays artworks
 from different cultures and civilizations. Its architectural embodiment reflects the spirit
of intercultural dialogue and exchange and has become a precedent for museums
around the world.
• Integration with Environment: The museum's architecture incorporates elements that
are in harmony with the local environment. The design incorporates water features and
landscaping, connecting the museum to the surrounding ocean views. This approach to
linking architecture and the natural environment has led to similar efforts in other
projects aimed at integrating the environment.
• Technological Advancements: The construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi used innovative
engineering techniques to create the impressive dome structure. The use of advanced
materials and construction methods represented an advance in technology and
influenced the way architects around the world approached large-scale projects.
• Influence on Museum Design: The design of the Louvre Abu Dhabi influenced the
museum's conception and construction. With its emphasis on openness, natural light,
and spatial experiences, the museum is inspiring architects of other cultural institutions
to rethink traditional museum design and create more engaging spaces for visitors.
Overall, the Abu Dhabi Louvre has had a major impact on the world of architecture by
redefining museum design, showcasing cultural exchange, blending into the surrounding
environment, and pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation. His influence continues to
resonate throughout the architectural world, inspiring new approaches to design and cultural
institutions around the world.

Man made Island :

The main technology used in the construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island was
land reclamation. Sand was dredged and deposited from the ocean floor to lay the foundation
for the artificial island on which the museum is located. This method allowed engineers to
create large tracts of land suitable for the construction of the museum and surrounding
infrastructure. Land reclamation is a common method for a variety of large-scale projects,
especially in coastal areas where additional land is needed to accommodate buildings,
infrastructure, or recreational space. In the case of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the process of land
reclamation was the basis for creating the platform on which the museum structure was built.
The creation of the man-made island for the Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum involved several
intricate steps, from initial planning to execution. Here are the key phases in detail:

• Site Selection and Preparation: The first step was to choose a suitable location for the
museum. The site chosen was Saadiyat Island, a large low-lying natural island off the
coast of Abu Dhabi. Before construction began, extensive environmental and geological
investigations were conducted to assess the suitability of the site.
• Design and Planning :Architect Jean Nouvel designed the museum by envisioning a
structure that combines cultural heritage with modern architecture. The design process
includes creating detailed architectural plans that take into account layout, materials,
and structural elements.
• Reclamation and Land Formation: Building the artificial island required large-scale land
reclamation. Sand was dredged from the ocean floor and deposited to form the
foundation of the island. Particular care was taken to ensure that the new terrain
formation was stable and able to support the weight of the museum structure.
• Construction of the Island's Infrastructure :Infrastructure such as roads, water supply
and drainage systems were installed to support the operation of the island and the
museum. This includes building roads, installing water and electricity supply lines, and
establishing connections with the mainland.
• Piling and Foundation Work: The construction process involved driving piles into
reclaimed land to create a solid foundation for the museum structure. Piles are long
posts driven into the ground to support buildings in areas with soft ground or water. This
step ensured the future stability of the building.
 • Foundations :
The construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi required different types of foundations to support the
museum's structure on the artificial island of Saadiyat. More than 4,500 piles were installed,
with a total of 4,536 made of steel and reinforced concrete, each between 20 and 22 meters
long, said Felix Rheinberg, director of the museum who is overseeing the museum project.
“These mountains span approximately 100 kilometers, roughly the distance from Abu Dhabi to
Dubai. These foundations were critical to ensure stability, load-bearing capacity, and structural
integrity. The foundation types used in this project include:

• Pile Foundations: Piles are long columns of concrete and steel that are driven deep into
the ground to transfer building loads to a deeper, more stable layer of soil or rock.
Coastal areas often have soft soils, so pile foundations are often used to provide stability
and support for structures.
• Raft Foundations: A raft foundation, also known as a mat foundation, distributes the
building load over a large area. It is used when the soil has low bearing capacity. By
installing a reinforced concrete slab directly on the ground, the load is distributed over a
wide area and excessive settlement is prevented.
• Bored Pile Foundations: Bored pile foundations involve drilling holes in the ground and
filling them with reinforced concrete. These piles provide support and stability to
structures and are often used in areas with varying soil conditions.
• Diaphragm Walls:

A diaphragm wall is an underground

structural element made of reinforced
concrete that forms a barrier against water
and provides structural support.
It is often used as a retaining wall to
prevent water ingress and stabilize
excavations during construction.
 • Ground Improvement Techniques:

In some areas with weak or problematic

soils, soil improvement techniques may be
used. These techniques include methods
such as soil compaction, injection, and soil
stabilization to increase soil bearing
capacity and improve the overall stability of
the foundation.

The specific foundation types and techniques used for the Louvre Abu Dhabi are based on soil
surveys, geological assessments, load-bearing requirements, and engineering considerations to
ensure the stability and durability of the museum on an artificial island. Each type of
foundation serves a specific purpose by providing the necessary support for the structure while
adapting to the specific environmental conditions of the site.

Galleries :
The Louvre Abu Dhabi consists of 55 separate buildings containing gallery spaces, exhibition
halls and facilities. These units are connected by walkways and sit beneath an impressive iconic
dome, creating a unique museum experience.

• Cladding :

The gallery facade features a unique cladding system

incorporating geometric patterns. This design gives a
pleasant aesthetic to the design of the project facade.
• Floating Cube Structure:

The museum's galleries are housed

within a series of white cube-
shaped structures that appear to
float within the overall
architectural design.These separate
but interconnected gallery spaces
create a sense of openness and
airiness while maintaining a
visually striking appearance.

• The museum includes:

a. 23 galleries
b. space for temporary exhibitions
c. children's museum
d. 200-seat auditorium
e. café
f. restaurant
• Material :
The façades of the individual buildings are made with aluminium and 3,900 panels of
Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC).

Notable UHPC properties :

• Compressive Strength: UHPC exhibits an extraordinarily high compressive strength,

typically exceeding 150 MPa (megapascals) or even reaching up to 250 MPa. This
makes it significantly stronger than conventional concrete, allowing for thinner and
lighter structural elements.
• Tensile Strength: UHPC possesses exceptional tensile strength, approximately 5-10
times higher than that of conventional concrete. This high tensile strength
contributes to its ability to withstand bending and other structural stresses.
• Density: UHPC has a higher density compared to regular concrete. Its density can
range from 2,300 kg/m³ to 2,500 kg/m³, resulting in a more compact and robust
material.
• Durability: One of the most notable features of UHPC is its exceptional durability. It
offers excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and impact. Its dense matrix and
reduced permeability significantly decrease the ingress of moisture, chemicals, and
aggressive agents, enhancing its long-term durability.
• Low Permeability: UHPC exhibits extremely low permeability, which minimizes the
penetration of water, chloride ions, and other harmful substances. This property
contributes to its resistance to deterioration and extends the service life of
structures made with UHPC.
• Chemical Composition: UHPC consists of a precise combination of materials,
including Portland cement, silica fume, quartz flour, fine silica sand, high-range water
reducers, fibers (usually steel or polymer), and sometimes supplementary
 cementitious materials. The precise blend and particle-size distribution contribute to
its exceptional properties.
• Workability: Despite its high strength, UHPC has good workability during the mixing
and casting process. Advanced mixing techniques are used to achieve the proper
consistency required for molding intricate shapes and achieving precise details in
architectural elements.
• Fire Resistance: UHPC exhibits good fire resistance due to its mineral composition
and dense matrix. It maintains its structural integrity even under high temperatures,
making it suitable for fire-resistant applications.

Double Dome :
It is referred to as a double dome as it has two main layers the outer steal layer ,an aluminum
inner layer separated by a metal structure in between .

Materials Used:
The double dome consists of several layers incorporating materials such as:

• Steel: Steel structural elements are used as the framework to support the dome's shape
and structure.
• Aluminum: Aluminum cladding or panels are utilized for the outermost layer of the
dome, providing a sleek and reflective surface.
• Glass: The dome incorporates glass elements, likely as part of the inner layers or in
specific sections to allow natural light to filter through.
Number of Layers and Functions:

The double dome is characterized by its intricate construction involving multiple layers, each
serving a distinct purpose:

• Outer Shell: The outermost layer comprises aluminum panels or cladding, providing
weather protection and a visually striking appearance. It acts as a protective barrier
against environmental elements.
• Air Gap or Space: There may be an air gap or space between the outer aluminum layer
and the subsequent layers. This gap can serve as insulation, allowing for temperature
regulation and thermal control within the dome.
• Inner Layers: Beneath the outer shell, there might be additional layers, possibly
including glass components or materials designed to diffuse and control natural light
entering the museum spaces. These inner layers could contribute to creating the desired
lighting effects within the museum.

Type of Structure:
The double dome is a complex architectural structure designed to create a "rain of light" effect
inside the museum. Its innovative design allows controlled natural light to pass through,
creating a fascinating play of light and shadow within the gallery. Posts: The double dome uses
four columns to support and distribute the weight. These columns serve as the dome's primary
structural support and play a critical role in maintaining the dome's stability and integrity. The
combination of materials, layers and structural elements in Louvre Abu Dhabi's double dome
creates a visually stunning and technically innovative architectural centerpiece, contributing to
the museum's unique identity and visitor experience. The main function of the dome is to act
like a canopy, protecting the building and internal promenade from the harsh sunlight and
Middle Eastern heat.The aim is to ensure visitor comfort and reduce the building's energy
consumption. The dome creates a "microclimate" that allows visitors to move between the
various outdoor museum spaces: 's permanent galleries, exhibition areas, children's museum,
auditorium, outdoor promenade, cafe and restaurant. The architects integrated traditional and
efficient equipment into the museum to maximize the natural cooling of the rooms and
optimize water consumption. These passive construction techniques helped improve the
temperature of the external space under the dome. As a result, the transition between external
heat and the controlled environment inside the building takes place gradually.
Passive building techniques use building geometry and inherent material properties to improve
indoor conditions.
Among these passive construction techniques are:

The shading provided by the dome and self-shading of buildings,

The optimal number of roof perforations allowing natural light to penetrate without excessive heat,

Exposed thermal mass, such as stone floors and exterior coatings benefiting from nocturnal cooling,

Reflective materials and light-colored surfaces.

All these techniques will allow to benefit from:

42% reduction in solar input,

27.2% energy savings,

27% water savings.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Dome in figures:

• The double dome is 180 meters in diameter .
• The frame is made of 10,000 structural components pre-assembled into 85 supersized elements,
each weighing up to 50 tonnes. (Total weight of the dome: 7500 tonnes)
• The dome consists of eight different layers
• Only four permanent columns, supports the each 110 meters apart .
• The interior dome elevation is 29 metres from the ground floor to the underside of the cladding.
The highest point of the dome is 40 metres above sea level and 36 meters above ground floor
level .
• Overall percentage of dome perforation: 1.8%
References :

https://www.lightzoomlumiere.fr/realisation/louvre-abu-dhabi-architecture-mer-lumiere-jean-
nouvel/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_Abu_Dhabi

https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/foundations-laid-for-capital-s-louvre-1.548932

https://www.louvre.fr/en/the-louvre-in-france-and-around-the-world/the-louvre-abu-dhabi

https://www.youtube.com/user/LouvreAbuDhabi

https://www.archdaily.com/883157/louvre-abu-dhabi-atelier-jean-nouvel

https://archello.com/project/louvre-abu-dhabi

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/jean-nouvel-louvre-abu-dhabi

https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/cultural-artifice-the-louvre-abu-dhabi-united-arab-
emirates-by-ateliers-jean-nouvel