Page 81 - Designing Ways 257

Al Dana Amphitheatre

Bahrain

espect for natural surroundings - including the nature of the
location’s individual characteristics, such as sun paths and
Rshadows, 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 amphitheatre 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 in the use of
the space, whether for a moonlight cinema, or an international race
screening. The Back of House facility is state of the art and includes
all of the necessary requirements for any high-level international act
that the Kingdom seeks to attract. The area also boasts a secondary,
more intimate venue that can host events during the off-season,
including, but not limited to, House of Blues, weddings, private

dw • Issue 257 81