Al Dana Amphitheater, Sakhir, Bahrain Public Building Photos, UAE Architecture
Al Dana Amphitheater in Sakhir
13 July 2022
Design: S/L Architects
Location: Sakhir, Bahrain, the Persian Gulf

Photos: Al Dana
Al Dana Amphitheater, Bahrain
Respect for natural surroundings – including the nature of the location?s individual characteristics, such as sun paths and shadows, wind direction, and terrain – is what ultimately evokes the strongest bond to that nature, allowing the amphitheatre to be an organic and everlasting part of its existence. The materials and technologies chosen serve to complement that theme, allowing for a low impact footprint and meeting recycling/re-use objectives.

The Al Dana Amphitheater was essentially inserted into a quarry, and orientated to have the ?Jebel? as a backdrop. The sun path rises from behind the Jebel and sets behind the audience and the BIC tower in the distance.
Additionally, a predominantly NW wind carries sound in the direction of the audience, maximizing the efficacy of the space as a theatre. Recycled materials were used where possible, including quarried rock sheet piles and shipping containers, and the simplified use of other materials such as raw concrete, recycled rubber flooring, or epoxy coatings instead of tiling and painting, which helped to maintain the design goal of a light touch.

Further design highlights include a detailed study of sound dispersion and low-level ambient lighting, allowing for flexibility...