Abu Dhabi's historic Central Market is to be transformed into a dynamic new quarter with markets, shops, offices, apartments and hotels. One of the oldest sites in the city, Central Market will be a reinterpretation of the traditional market place and a new civic heart for Abu Dhabi. The project comprises a combination of lower-rise, ecologically sensitive levels of retail, roof gardens - forming a new public park - and three towers.

Foster + Partners has contracted Hoberman to develop several exterior shading roofs which are to be installed in three public squares housed within the retail complex.

Hoberman created a kinetic design that works off of an operable grid. In its covered configuration, the shading roof appears similar to a traditional coffered Islamic roof. When retracted, the roof becomes a slender lattice that complements the designs by the Foster team for fixed shading.

Enivonrmental analysis was conducted collaboratively with the Adaptive Building Initiative.