The Green Corner: A Modern Oasis of Culture and Heritage

The Green Corner stands as a testament to Bahrain's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting artistic expression. This unique building, a joint cultural project with the UAE, opened its doors in 2021 and has quickly become a significant cultural hub in the Kingdom. Designed by the acclaimed Dutch architecture firm Studio Anne Holtrop, The Green Corner is more than just a building; it's a living embodiment of Bahrain's history and artistic spirit.The building's design seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with traditional elements, creating a space that feels both modern and deeply rooted in its surroundings. The four-story structure houses a restoration center for artworks and manuscripts, managed in cooperation with Egypt's Bibliotheca Alexandria, an archive of Bahraini art and literature, and an extensive ecological and environmental library, making it a treasure trove of knowledge and creativity.One of the most distinctive features of The Green Corner is its construction technique. The building's panels, from the exterior and interior walls to the floors and ceilings, were cast onsite using concrete poured directly onto the ground, a technique known as soil as shuttering. This innovative approach results in unique panels with textures and patterns that evoke the coral stone architecture traditionally found in the region. The irregular edges of these precast elements are visible as geological cuts in the ground at the corners of the building and at the sides of the windows, creating a sense of organic connection to the land.The Green Corner's interior, designed by Bahrain's Ammar Basheir Creative Studio, complements the building's exterior with its thoughtful use of space and light. The building's floor plan consists of two identically-sized large rooms and a central core in between, providing ample space for exhibitions, workshops, and research activities. Located next to the Muharraq Green Gate and near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pearling Path, The Green Corner is part of a larger effort to revitalize the historic city of Muharraq and promote cultural tourism.