Designer of a creative haven

When Alserkal Avenue opened in 2007, most people found it difficult to even find the place, situated in the heart of the industrial area of Al Quoz. But with more than 15 art galleries and design studios from around the world, and even a private art museum now located in the warehouses in this complex, the Avenue has developed into a vibrant art quarter of Dubai.

This pioneering cultural project is the brainchild of Abdul Monem Bin Eisa Alserkal. The Emirati businessman and art lover recently announced a further expansion of the Alserkal Avenue, in an adjacent plot. The project, designed by Philip Logan from Shakland Cox, is expected to be ready in early 2014. The estimated cost is Dh50 million, thus making the Alserkal Avenue one of the largest private initiatives dedicated to the arts and culture in the UAE. We spoke to Alserkal about his love for the arts and his vision of creating a cultural district in Dubai. Excerpts:

How did you get interested in art?

My father is an art lover and collector with a deep interest in calligraphy, Islamic architecture and local crafts. So I have grown up in an environment where art is appreciated and respected. In fact I took my father to Alserkal Avenue for the first time, just a few months ago, because I wanted to wait until it had matured into a genuine art quarter. And he was very happy to see what we have created.

What was your vision when you opened Alserkal Avenue in 2007?

In many cities around the world, industrial areas have gradually transformed into art districts because of lower real estate prices, availability of larger spaces and other social factors. When I decided to construct this complex of warehouses on our vacant land in Al Quoz and invite art galleries to come here, my vision was to develop a similar art quarter in Dubai. But we only wished to facilitate the process and not to forcibly push it in anyway. We wanted it to happen naturally and organically just as it has happened in New York's Meatpacking District or the East End of London.

Did you worry about it being a risky investment?

When I planned this complex, I had a clear vision of what it could develop into. I am happy that the vision has been realised. As for the risk, I must say that it was the galleries that took the bigger risk. I appreciate galleries such as Ayyam, who understood the concept and took the initiative to be the first to move in; and collectors such as Ramin Salsali, who opened the UAE's first private museum here, which is a great privilege for us.

Alserkal Avenue has developed into a vibrant art quarter because of all the galleries, artists, collectors and art lovers who supported the idea. I am proud that two galleries from our complex (Green Art Gallery and Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde) will exhibit their projects in Art Basel, Switzerland, this year, becoming the first galleries from the Middle East to be selected by this most prestigious art fair.

What motivated you to initiate the expansion project?

The long waiting list for spaces in Alserkal Avenue indicates that there is a growing need for more such spaces, and we want to fulfil that need. The expansion involves a huge private investment but we have a long term view because we see it not as a real estate project but as a community project. The new space will enable us to welcome new creatives from various fields such as fashion, design, films, theatre and craft, and to encourage emerging local talent.

What was your brief to the architects regarding the design for the expansion?

I told them to retain the industrial look and feel of the place, but with a creative twist. The complex of warehouses is similar to Alserkal Avenue but with an artistic touch in the form of the "butterfly roofing" and environmentally friendly design. The butterfly roofs of the warehouses allow maximum capture of North light, which is less intense and hence offers a good quality of light for creative spaces. This roof design allows us to avoid standard roof lights and helps the cooling efficiency, thus reducing power consumption. Our family had a marble factory here, which was closed down. And we have decided to keep an old, rusted crane that has been standing there for 40 years, to link the new project to the history of this place. The architects have also found creative ways to use the marble from the factory in the landscaping and other elements of the design. They also plan to recycle wastewater from air-conditioning and use other ways to ensure an environmentally sustainable development.

What are the major features of the expansion?

The 250,000-square-foot expansion, which will be connected to the present complex will double the area of Alserkal Avenue. The existing complex has 39 warehouses, whereas the expansion will have 62 spaces ranging from 1,000 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet. There will be 500 new parking spaces, two restaurants, a coffee shop and an event centre that can accommodate 1,000 people. During this expansion we will also refurbish the present complex. While retaining the industrial design and look of the complex, we will add lots of greenery through artistic landscaping. We also plan to have a private museum to display my family's art collection.

Will you set aside studios or gallery spaces to support Emirati artists?

We want to support every section of the local arts community, especially emerging creatives, and we are exploring ideas for developing local talent. We have a fund that will invest in work by Emirati artists and artworks from local galleries. We also plan to conduct a competition for local architects to design a building in the complex. We are also considering providing a space for local artists to display their work.

Do you have plans for other such projects?

We are looking to develop a similar project in Muscat, Oman.

Jyoti Kalsi is an arts enthusiast based in Dubai.