Arada reveals Il Teatro at Aljada, Il-teatro is an iconic new performing arts centre for Sharjah, designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando. 2,000-seat auditorium, gallery and events space will be a focal point of the Aljada master community. Spread over a 260,000 sqft space, the building and plaza are dedicated to art, culture and design World-class cultural destination to be completed in 2027 The Japanese architect Tadao Ando has been named as the designer of Il Teatro, a new performing arts center that will play a prominent role in Sharjah’s largest lifestyle community, Aljada. Arada, the master developer behind Aljada, has revealed the designs of Il Teatro’s striking structure, which will anchor the community’s Naseej cultural district. A fully fledged cultural complex spread over 260,000 square feet, Il Teatro at Aljada and its surrounding plaza will host a wide variety of performances and shows, including opera, theatre, dance, ballet, musicals, concerts, films, art exhibitions and festivals. As well as a 2,000-seat auditorium, Il Teatro will also incorporate a gallery and boutique restaurant. Featuring Tadao Ando’s trademark architectural simplicity, the design for Il Teatro consists of a pure, cylindrical concrete mass, which faces a multi-layered cultural plaza. Il Teatro is further defined by a dramatic secondary feature; a large, arched opening that enlivens the front of the building, forming a strong connection between its interior and exterior. Spread over two levels, the plaza is an elevated public space that floats above a water feature and contains a large outdoor amphitheatre that faces Il Teatro. Brought to life by a series of events and activities, the plaza will also provide a multi-dimensional experience designed to inspire local artists and the growing creative community in the UAE. Winner of the Pritzker Prize in 1995, Japan’s Tadao Ando is one of the world’s most celebrated architects, whose dedication to the beauty of simplistic design has been incorporated into his major works, which include the Church of the Light in Osaka, Azuma House in Sumiyoshi and the Chichu Art Museum. Il Teatro is the second of Tadao Ando’s projects in the UAE, following the Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah, also in partnership with Arada, which was announced earlier this year. HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Vice Chairman of Arada, said: “Il Teatro at Aljada represents an impressive new attraction for Sharjah and the wider UAE and adds significantly to the list of museums, galleries, entertainment venues and other cultural spaces for which Sharjah is already well-known. “We’re extremely proud to be working with Tadao Ando, who has a long record of designing exceptional public spaces that enthral and engage their visitors, and we look forward to working with him to bring his vision to life. ” Tadao Ando, Founder of Tadao Ando Architects & Associates, said: “Il Teatro at Aljada will leave a lasting, intergenerational impact through its emphasis on culture and art. I have designed the central structure of the building to be round like the Earth as I wanted to create a new world inside it that will attract not only local people but visitors from around the globe. Unit amunties All loft apartments feature double-height full-glass curtain walls • All loft apartments contain double-height feature walls with steel bridge • All loft apartments feature an open-plan kitchen with a central island • All loft apartments feature panoramic views over il teatro and its surrounding plaza • All one-bedroom apartments contain foldable partitions to create multifunctional spaces • Exclusive access to rooftop infinity pool • Exclusive access to health club • All apartments contain smart home features as standard • Cooking range, hood, washing machine and drier installed as standard • Range of retail and F&B on ground floor • Easy access to green spine leading to il teatro