# Sharjah Design Centre Unveils Plans for Rammed Earth Building Opening in 2029 A new sustainable cultural hub in the UAE focuses on material research and production. - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-11-03 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d9fa0041-069e-43e2-9b87-b797418bca29 ## New Cultural Hub Announced The Sharjah Design Centre is set to open in 2029 within the Sharjah Creative Quarter. Led by H.E. Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, the institution aims to bridge the gap between designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs. It will serve as a central hub for material experimentation, prototyping, and professional knowledge exchange. ## Sustainable Architectural Approach Designed by Taller de Arquitectura – Mauricio Rocha and Daniel Rosselló, the building prioritizes environmental sustainability. The structure incorporates rammed earth construction, specifically chosen to respond to the local climate and landscape. This approach integrates vernacular building principles with contemporary technology to significantly reduce the project's overall environmental impact. ## Specialized Laboratory Infrastructure The facility will house seven distinct laboratories dedicated to textiles, rapid prototyping, glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal, and wood production. These spaces are designed to support projects from the initial experimental phase through to final material application. The centre also provides co-working areas, private studios, and retail spaces for creative professionals. ## Research and Digital Archives A dedicated Material Library will catalogue experimental research and design publications to foster education. Connected to this, a Digital Archive will store industrial mappings and digital publications, creating a searchable resource for members. These tools are intended to facilitate collaboration between design education and real-world professional manufacturing practices. ## Theatrum Al Kimiya Initiative The centre is currently conducting material research through the Theatrum Al Kimiya initiative. This project investigates locally sourced and waste-based materials, including salt, brine, palm, shells, and mycelium. The research builds upon the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council's 2023 publication, Architecture of Culture, to translate traditional craft findings into modern design applications. ## Strategic Institutional Partnerships Collaborations are already underway with Atelier LUMA and the American University of Sharjah. Support for these research efforts comes from the AUS Energy, Water, and Sustainable Environment Research Center, BEEAH, and the Sharjah National Oil Corporation. These partnerships focus on exploring local material applications and innovative, sustainable industrial manufacturing processes. ## Integration into Creative District Located adjacent to the House of Wisdom and University City, the centre joins a growing network of institutions. Other entities in the Sharjah Creative Quarter include the Irthi Museum, Sharjah Fashion Lab, and L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts. This shared urban setting aims to foster an interconnected ecosystem supporting various creative industries. ## Future Impact on Design By providing infrastructure for both research and production, the centre aims to redefine the relationship between design and industry. The 2029 opening will mark a significant milestone in Sharjah's cultural development. It establishes a framework where material innovation directly informs professional practice, setting a new standard for regional creative hubs. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1187994/sharjah-design-centre-unveils-plans-for-rammed-earth-building-opening-in-2029 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._