Polish-born, Abu Dhabi-based designer Agata Kurzela  has completed an impressive refurbishment of a 1908 heritage building in Abu Dhabi?s historic Khor Al Maqta district.
In the last 20 or so years, the Emirate has transformed into a Middle Eastern hub for contemporary design and culture.
The reconfiguration of this government office into a 2,500 square-metre (26,910 sq.ft) multi-functional space continues this tradition by pushing toward contemporary design but without tarnishing the historical relevance of the building.

This is very much in keeping with the multiple award-winning Kurzela?s ethos of focusing on intelligent and creative use of space, and by highlighting the tactility of materials. She combines the latest technology and sensibilities with ancient methods and style. In the government office project, Kurzela first peeled back several layers of old materials, partitions and dividers to uncover the original structure of the building. To create the decidedly new iteration, she used every part of the existing building and increased its functionality by adding mezzanines and functional platforms that connect via staircases, and by creating separate pods and enclosed rooms with curved walls, all free-standing within the larger spaces.

The various functions of the new configuration include private offices, flexible workspace areas, exhibition space, separate prayer rooms for women and men, plus stunningly cool bathrooms. Indeed, we love the futuristic bathrooms...