Tadao Ando has designed the plaza spread over two levels, with an elevated public space that floats above a water fountain and contains a large open-air amphitheater in front of Il Teatro. The plaza will come to life through a series of events and activities, giving access to the cylindrical building, whose interior is shown through an arched opening, and crossing walkways located over the ponds.
The main building will be topped by a stacked, disc-shaped roof, spreading over two levels, with the lower level partly sunk into the ground, and with a smaller outbuilding featuring the same design.
“Il Teatro at Aljada will leave a lasting, intergenerational impact through its emphasis on culture and art. I have designed the central structure of the building to be round like the Earth as I wanted to create a new world inside it that will attract not only local people but visitors from around the globe.”
Tadao Ando, Founder of Tadao Ando Architects & Associates
Il Teatro is the second of Tadao Ando’s projects in the UAE, following the Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah, also in partnership with Arada, which was announced earlier this year.
Il Teatro occupies a prime position within Aljada, situated on the main access road into the master community. It also sits at the center of the Naseej creative district, a cluster of 19 buildings that also incorporates the Vida Aljada hotel and branded apartments complex, which will be operated by Emaar Hospitality.
Construction in Naseej District is already well underway, with the first homes due to be completed this year. Work on Il Teatro at Aljada will start next year, with the building and plaza scheduled for completion in 2027.
