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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Objective

Situated on the vibrant Saadiyat Island of Abu Dhabi, the Museum of War is envisioned to
redefine the traditional museum experience. It aims to create a narrative journey through the
complex phases of war, designed to engage visitors on a multisensory level. This museum is
not merely a place of visitation but a voyage through the profound and often grim realities
of conflict.
Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
The museum's design is deeply rooted in the belief that true understanding stems from
immersive experience. Each exhibit is crafted to evoke the emotional spectrum associated
with war—from the building tension before conflict to the chaotic throes of battle, and
finally, the solemn reflection that follows. The spatial progression through these stages aims
to leave visitors with a lasting impression of war's impact, both historically and in
contemporary contexts.

This project goes beyond displaying war artifacts; it seeks to create a space where the
essence of war is palpable, allowing visitors to grasp the gravity of conflict and the
preciousness of peace. The architectural narrative, segmented into distinct phases of war,
positions the museum within a global context, making its stories universally relevant and
profoundly resonant.

1.2. Motivation

In an era that paradoxically may be the most peaceful in history yet is continually disrupted
by conflicts, the relevance of the Museum of War becomes ever more critical. This
institution is conceived as a focal point for reflection on the human conditions that underpin
both historical and ongoing conflicts. It aims to encapsulate these human experiences,
making them accessible to a global audience, thereby fostering a collective memory of war's
true costs.

Drawing inspiration from institutions such as the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Imperial
War Museum North in Manchester, and the narrative-driven architecture of the Louvre Abu
Dhabi, the Museum of War is influenced by their success in using architecture to tell
compelling stories. These landmarks demonstrate how architecture can serve as a powerful
mediator of history and cultural identity, engaging visitors in meaningful ways that bridge
past and present.

1.3. Background

Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island is emerging not just as a cultural landmark but as a narrative
canvas that reflects the zeitgeist through its museum architecture. As noted by Sarina
Wakefield in Museum Development in the Gulf: Narrative and Architecture, Abu Dhabi is
uniquely positioning itself as a cosmopolitan nexus, crafting an identity that transcends
geographical and cultural boundaries.