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NECC Development, Abu Dhabi

New England Center for Children UAE: Building – design by Leo Daly, Architects

12 Nov 2009

Abu Dhabi New England Center for Children

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Design: Leo A Daly

Leo A Daly is providing full architectural and interior design services for a new New England Center for Children in Abu Dhabi. The New England Center for Children (NECC®), Abu Dhabi Campus partnered with the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD) to construct and operate an inpatient residential school for children with autism spectrum disorders. The campus is composed of a four story classroom building and a two story residential unit.

Conceived as a linear expression in colored glass and thin concrete plates, the classroom building is accentuated by a rooftop pool covered by a large cantilevered concrete roof. The building also supports multiple specialized classrooms, in-house kitchen and dining, a full-size gymnasium, clinic, graduate research spaces and an administrative suite. The sloping walls acknowledge the desert climate as do the deep overhangs and curtain wall screening.

The residential unit will support twenty four children in a staff-intensive setting. The residence is divided into four identical units for six children. Each unit contains private sleeping rooms, living area, recreation room, prayer room, kitchen and dining. The residence is anchored by a striking three story light monitor that serves as a central organizing feature, entry and vertical circulation element.

The project is designed in accordance with the equivalent of LEED® Silver standards under the Estidama sustainability code.