“The Flying Saucer has been beloved by generations of Sharjah residents since its opening in the late 1970s. It was important that we not only preserve its characteristic structure but also restore it for our community as a space for convening, learning and creating,” – Hoor Al Qasimi (Director of Sharjah Art Foundation).

Scientechnic Lighting Solutions had the pleasure of being a part of the renovations for The Flying Saucer, an iconic building located in the heart of downtown Sharjah that has now reopened to the public on September 26, 2020.

The newly renovated Brutalist structure, which was constructed in the mid-1970s and modified over the decades to house various businesses, has been restored to its original architectural character, and new contemporary spaces have been introduced which will serve as a place for community gatherings. Visitors will be able to enjoy outdoor exhibition spaces, a lower-level community area including a café as well as Sharjah’s very first public art library that is open to the public. The library houses the Sharjah Art Foundation’s very own publications, monographs and materials, as well as a

wide range of books for readers of all ages in Arabic, English and other regional languages.

Scientechnic Lighting Solutions took on the task of supplying the lighting fixtures and lighting controls for the landscape, external and basement areas. The basement lighting project included implementing best practice lighting solutions for library racks, office areas, and general spaces as well as curved wall features that are so intrinsic to the design of this unique architecture. World-class lighting brands were used including ERCO, OSRAM and ROVASI in close conjunction with contractor GECO MEP.

“It has been an honor to be spearheading the lighting requirements of this iconic landmark in the cultural heart of Sharjah, UAE. We send our heartiest congratulations to the team at Sharjah Art Foundation on the reopening, and wish The Flying Saucer soaring success.” – Samer Moukalled (Vice President, Scientechnic Lighting Solutions).

*Exterior aerial day shots taken by Danko Stjepanovic, courtesy Sharjah Art Foundation.