Mysterious Pods In the Middle Of Nowhere In Sharjah

by Alexandra Mansilla

Mysterious Pods In the Middle Of Nowhere In Sharjah: What Are They?

30 Aug 2024

In Sharjah, there are two fascinating spots featuring buildings made up of interlinked pods: one white and the other copper-coloured. These structures look almost extraterrestrial, immediately drawing attention.

What exactly are they?

Both complexes were designed by Hopkins Architects. The white one is the Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary. This site consists of seven interconnected pods and tensile structures, forming a central hub that houses aquariums, exhibition spaces, offices, veterinary facilities, classrooms, a visitor centre, and a café.

Source: www.hopkins.co.uk

This sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and care of endangered wildlife in the area. It also serves as an educational hub, raising ecological awareness among visitors while offering scientists a place to conduct vital research and monitor the natural resources of the Kalba Reserve.

Now, about the architecture: Why are the buildings shaped this way? According to the Hopkins Architects website, the pods’ design takes inspiration from urchin exoskeletons.

The second complex (the copper-coloured one) is the Buhais Geological Park, located 50 kilometres from Sharjah. It consists of five interlinked pods set against the rocky Jebel Buhais mountain range, with a design inspired by the fossilised urchins found on site — similar to the approach used in the Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary. This site is of immense geological significance, containing fossils that are over 65 million years old.

Source: www.hopkins.co.uk

This location holds immense significance because, 93 million years ago, something extraordinary occurred here. Unlike the usual process where the oceanic plate slides beneath the continental shelf, the opposite happened: the oceanic plate was forced over the continental shelf. This rare geological phenomenon caused ancient layers of the Earth to rise, forming mountain ridges. Over time, erosion exposed these layers, offering a rare glimpse into nearly 100 million years of Earth's history.

Source: www.hopkins.co.uk

Inside, you will find exhibition areas that delve into the site's history, an immersive theatre, a café with panoramic views, a gift shop, and other visitor amenities.

Also, you can watch a film about how ancient volcanoes emerged from the ocean depths to form these mountains millions of years ago. The film covers the entire process, from the formation of the mountains 240 million years ago to the present day. It is shown on a large semicircular screen, with animations, on-site footage, and a spectacular finale where the film screen opens to reveal the actual geological site. The experience is enhanced by a specially composed soundtrack that perfectly sets the mood.

by Alexandra Mansilla