The House of Wisdom: Foster + Partners’ architectural oasis in the desert
A willowy roof cascades all over The House of Wisdom, a technologically-powered library constructed for the “digital future” by Foster + Partners, located within the UAE’s Sharjah.








A willowy roof cascades all over The House of Wisdom, a technologically-powered library constructed for the “digital future” by Foster + Partners, located within the UAE’s Sharjah.
The meticulously designed double-floored building stands merely 10 kilometers away from the city center, located within an up and coming cultural district, that boasts a “book espresso machine” that has the ability to both print and bind books as one of its key offerings.
When designed by Foster + Partners, the rectangular and eye-catching roof that envelopes the box-like structure is meant to modernly blend into the waves of its desert surroundings, while handing a mere 15 meters from the ground, in all directions.
"The House of Wisdom in Sharjah is a forward-looking conception of what a library should bein the 21st century – embracing a digital future while playing a crucial role as a community hub for learning, underpinned by innovation and technology, "said Gerard Evenden, head of studio at Foster + Partners.
"The straight, minimalist lines of the building complement the dunes of the desert, set within a lush landscape. The House of Wisdom is set to be an oasis for the local community, led by research and innovation, at the heart of a new cultural district."
While the concrete and steel building is a sight to behold in and of itself, the four-squared roof serves to shield the library’s stretching transparent face from the city’s merciless dryness.
While strikingly appealing to say the least, the wooden tent works alongside fixed aluminum screens that scatters the grounded sun at night, and maneuverable bamboo screens within, allowing habitants to manipulate the light.
The London-based architects reinforced the roof with four concrete cores nestling near each corner of the building. The concept allows for a more unbarred and open interior experience, matching the likes of several Apple Stores – among them the Apple Michigan Avenue and Apple Central World – that were also the work of the firm.
A pair of the structure’s cores, situated at the nearest entrance, are entrenched in a variety of large exquisitely-designed sculptural staircases which pave the way to the top floor.
The House of Wisdom welcomes guests across its western border, welcomed by a double-height reception covered with an oasis-like greenery at its heart. The oasis attract slight to the very core of the building, while also doubling as an outdoor space for intellectual mingling, and debates of the je-ne-c’est-quoi.
The House of Wisdom’s infamous “book espresso machine” is intricately placed within the reading area on the ground floor, stand across from the exhibition spaces, a café, archival areas, and a children’s education space.
Upstairs, Forster+ Partners designed a succession of “pod spaces” utilized as quiet reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and female-only areas, and a prayer room; some of which silhouette atop of the central courtyard.
Along the indoor oasis lay two outdoor gardens, one of which labelled as “knowledge garden, ”while its counterpart acts a children’s playground containing several water fountains. The knowledge garden is designed with a complete orthodox and“ geometrically arranged” vista, with a series of gardens and shaded walkways stretching alongside it.
At its heart lays a cork shapes sculpture designed by British artist Gerry Judah, widely known as The Scroll. The piece reflects a contemporary reenactment of the ancient Arabic scrolls formed by laser-cut rolled steel plates, created to prevent erosion at the hands of sandstorms.
Foster + Partners is the architecture studio of Norman Foster, founded in London in 1967. Today, it has offices around the globe.
The House of Wisdom’s completion comes shortly after an announcement that it has commenced construction on the Red Sea International Airport, which will bolster the area’s tourism prospects on an archipelago of Saudi Arabian islands that the studio is currently designing a succession of resorts.
In parallel, Foster + Partners are wrapping up construction on their 425 Avenue Skyscraper in New York, which architectural photographer Alan Schindler recently captured in new photos.
- date publishedMay 14, 2021
- categoryArchitecture
- original sourceDezeen↗