Pixel by MVRDV: A Community-Centric Housing Project in Abu Dhabi

Pixel by MVRDV, Dutch studio, a cluster of seven staggered housing blocks in Abu Dhabi designed to foster community interaction. Located in Makers District on Al Reem Island, the development comprises 525 apartments and various public amenities organized around a central courtyard.

Challenging Typical Developments

MVRDV aimed to challenge typical UAE housing developments that prioritize luxury over community. Instead of isolated towers with luxurious interiors, Pixel encourages residents to spend time outdoors and engage with their neighbors. The design aims to be more environmentally and socially sustainable.

Makers District

Pixel is the first project in Makers District, a new hub on Al Reem Island. The seven high-rises, the tallest of which is 92 meters, are arranged around a plaza filled with eateries, shops, a gym, healthcare clinic, nursery, and offices. The design maximizes shade and encourages breeze through the plaza while linking to the beach and waterfront developments.

Pixelated Aesthetic

The towers’ plaza-facing facades feature large windows and terraces, creating a pixelated look that gives the project its name. These facades are adorned with pastel-colored tiles inspired by the iridescent surfaces of pearls, reflecting the UAE’s pearl trading history.

Architectural Features

Concrete panels with contour patterns, designed by artist Nicole Martens, clad the outer elevations, evoking oyster shells. The overall design is intended to resemble an oyster, with a hard exterior and a delicate pearl inside. The development aims to blend luxury with affordability, offering various apartment sizes and prices to foster interaction between people from different walks of life.

Photos: Jon Wallis

Finally, find out more on ArchUp: