Role: Project Direction

Design: Ralph Appelbaum Associates

The Buhais Geology Park is a world-class interpretive centre and ecotourism attraction that reveals the unique geology and natural history of the Sharjah region. Situated in a striking desert landscape, the park tells the story of how the region’s diverse geological features—the Hajar Mountains, jebels (hills), gravel plains, sand dunes, and the Arabian Gulf—all came to be. 

Through co-ordination between exhibition design and architecture, all interpretive elements are connected to the landscape outside the windows of the centre. Visitors are able to see directly how geological formations are made, and witness the results in the landscape outside. 

The Centre features a remarkable circular theatre with a screen that slides away at the end of the film to review one of Sharjah’s most startling features, Jebel Buhais. 

This project was awarded the the Good Design award from the Chicago Athenaeum and Grands Prix Du Design - 14e édition, Gold Winner and also was a finalist for the IDSA awards