Disused port to creative centre: how Mina Zayed became a centre of innovation in Abu Dhabi
Project: Mina Zayed regeneration
The Purpose
To regenerate a disused part of the city and bring together different creative disciplines with commercial enterprises to facilitate collaboration, allowing innovative cultural projects to emerge.
The Challenge
For decades, Zayed Port had been the backbone of the city’s economy but with Abu Dhabi‘s rapid growth, it had become disused. The challenge was to repurpose this part of the city whilst supporting the emerging creative economy, providing spaces for innovators and creative practitioners to work and experiment.
Placing focus at the intersection of creativity and commerce has created a community of home-grown businesses, supported the creation of original works, and generated export earnings.
The Solution
MiZa uses existing buildings and assets, transforming them into public spaces that promote creativity, well-being and social activities. By asking the question ‘What do people do all day?’, its placemaking strategy aims to encourage unexpected interactions between the people and the place. Examples include ensuring walkability by preserving the grids of Mina Zayed and ensuring easy accessibility is maintained throughout the historical warehouses.
MiZa is also committed to involving the community: it is immersed in the creative subcultures that exist, learning what is needed to establish systems, services and buildings that support and sustain growth.
Spaces within MiZa are designed to be versatile, from micro-units to warehouses. This flexibility allows a range of uses, from workshops to retail concepts. MiZa is looking to support its members’ needs, such as working to secure reduced shipping rates or software licences, or connecting creatives with investors.
The Impact
The port is now transforming and the benefits of the MiZa Project are already being seen. With the success of Warehouse 421 and the newly inaugurated coding school 42 Abu Dhabi, the project is renovating many of the port’s warehouses and commercial spaces to establish a welcoming, multi-use neighbourhood for creative practitioners and entrepreneurs to thrive. Building a new economy based on emerging professions, disciplines and connections will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. Placing focus at the intersection of creativity and commerce has created a community of home-grown businesses, supported the creation of original works, and generated export earnings.
Source: World Cities Culture Report 2022
Images courtesy @ Getty/Canva
