02 — Design V, Spring 2025

Horizon Nexus

A Cultural and Urban Synthesis

Software Revit, Twinmotion, Photoshop

Mixed-Use Urban Development — Cultural & Urban Synthesis

Project overview

Horizon Nexus is a mixed-use urban development in Sharjah that blends sustainability, cultural identity, and community-centered design. It integrates green corridors, a cultural zone, and human-scaled massing strategies to promote connectivity and livability.

Design philosophy

“Horizon” reflects limitless potential and connection to the sky, while “Nexus” represents convergence of people, space, and culture.

My role

Personally designed and developed the Aera (recreational) and Terra (mixed-use residential) buildings.

From above

Turn, tilt, descend

Urban ground floor plan of the whole development with landscape, roads, parking and the green belt

Urban ground floor plan, turning about its centre

Aerial view of the Aera and Terra buildings: two curved banded blocks around a landscaped courtyard

Bird’s-eye view of Aera and Terra around their courtyard

Corner view of the mixed-use wing with wavy white and copper facade bands and ground-floor shops

The mixed-use wing from the street corner

Courtyard plaza with fountain pool, pergolas, flower beds and palms in front of the red-banded facade

Eye level: the courtyard plaza, fountain and pergolas

The whole development

Urban elevation and section

Urban section through the development, cropped to the building band — Urban section

Open spaces plan with four circular zooms: outdoor reading area, community space, tree island and deck pavilion — Open spaces: the outdoor reading area, the community space, a tree island and a deck pavilion

Concept

Aera & Terra, in three moves

Zoning
The design is organized into two distinct masses—one dedicated to recreational functions and the other to mixed-use. The building accommodates three key programs: dormitories located near the school side, a central mall positioned between the dorms and serviced apartments, and the serviced apartments themselves.
Spatial connection
The central portion between the two masses is removed, creating an enclosed open space. This modification fosters a connection between the recreational and cultural areas of the building, facilitated by an arcade that encourages movement and interaction.
Height variation and human scale
The design introduces varying building heights to enhance the overall aesthetic and human experience. An open terrace on the first floor of the mixed-use block is incorporated to establish a more intimate, human-scale environment, fostering a sense of openness and accessibility.

Renders