The Private Art Gallery in Sharjah was designed as a tribute to the late Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi to house a private collection of artwork, fashion and design.

The design was inspired by a quote of Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi “Every sun has to set to rise again.”

The form of the gallery is based on the arcing path of the sun’s movements as it passes through the sky. The movement of the sun has been translated into a curved and twisting volume that rises for the water and landscape only to re-submerge. As the arced volume re-emerges it symbolizes a new sunrise, a new day and new beginnings. This arced movement forms a grand visual gateway arrival experience for the visitor.

Through its architectural composition the project creates a strong sense of arrival. The project also makes use of contemporary Islamic motifs to provide a building that is both culturally contextual but innovative in its expression.

The narrative behind the design creates a unique and thought-provoking architectural experience for the visitor while also accommodating the various pragmatic requirements of the project including a small auditorium and a series of exhibition and gathering spaces and supporting ancillary spaces.