The Nomadic Library

NOMAD Abu Dhabi, UAE, Terminal 1

2025 November 19/22

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Architectural Installation

Built

Dongola / Mira Hawa Projects

Ismail Hutet / Sara Layoun

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Press Release

Etienne Bastormagi Architecture and Design - Installation - A Nomadic Library - A simple line drawing of a bar graph with a rising trend.
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  • Abu Dhabi / Beirut, October 2025
    A Library in Motion.
    Presented at Nomad Abu Dhabi 2025 (19–22 November), In Transit: A Nomadic Library inhabits the departure hall of Terminal 1, transforming the architecture of travel into a site for reflection and exchange.

    Conceived by Studio Etienne Bastormagi - the architect of the installation- , in collaboration with Dongola Limited Editions and Mira Hawa Projects, the installation explores the typology of the library through the lens of transition—drawing inspiration from the spatial language of airport terminals and the poetics of industrial minimalism.

  • “In Transit: A Nomadic Library reflects that perfectly: mobility, culture, and interaction all in one. I was immediately excited to host it and form this partnership.”
    Says Nicolas Bellavance Lecompte:

    “Books are precious—especially in the digital era. They’ve become the last physical manifestation of ideas—about the past, present, and future—and we must cherish that.” he adds

Etienne Bastormagi - Installation - A Nomadic Library -Empty modern library display area with metal shelving units on casters holding books and magazines, minimalistic design, clean white walls, and ceiling with integrated lighting.
Etienne Bastormagi Architecture and Design - Installation - A Nomadic Library - Ceiling with a geometric honeycomb pattern in green, white, and blue, with a chandelier hanging in the center, located above an indoor shopping area.
Etienne Bastormagi Architecture and Design - Installation - A Nomadic Library - Line drawing of modular furniture pieces arranged in a semi-circle, including shelves, cabinets, and a curved top surface, on a white background.
Etienne Bastormagi Architecture and Design - Installation - A Nomadic Library - Abstract metallic sculpture with a geometric intertwined design, some parts painted red, placed on a white surface in an indoor setting.
Etienne Bastormagi Architecture and Design - Installation - A Nomadic Library - Abstract modern sculpture made of metallic blocks with some painted red, placed on a table in an indoor setting with people in the background.

  • “We chose aluminum because it carries the spirit of Abu Dhabi.

     It allows the structure to feel industrial yet poetic—anchored in place, yet open to motion.” says Etienne Bastormagi, architect of the installation.

  • A red and black book titled 'Provoking the Territory' by Bernard Khoury displayed on a metal bookshelf.
  • View of an airport terminal window showing an airplane on the tarmac during a rainy day, with rain streaks visible on the glass.
  • Two women with vintage clothing and shoes stand on a city street, one is reading a book, the other carries a bookshelf filled with books on her back, in a black and white photo.
  • Exterior view of Abu Dhabi International Airport with the airport's name overhead, benches, and metal posts at the entrance.
  • Airport terminal entrance with signs indicating Terminal 1 and Exit 4, including caution signs on sliding doors in English and Arabic.
  • Close-up view of an indoor space with metal furniture, including tables and carts, seen through a metal railing or frame.
  • Airport signage indicating directions to Terminal 1 Departures, All Flights arrivals, and Terminal 3 Departures, in English and Arabic, with a view of an escalator and airport waiting area.
Etienne Bastormagi Architecture and Design - Installation - A Nomadic Library - Open book or printing press with black and white photographs, stacks of white paper, and a red object on a gray table.

  • The structure unfolds into three architectural typologies:

    ●      Vertical Totem – a signal and display structure evoking presence

    ●      Horizontal Plane – a communal surface for reading, gathering, and pause

    ●      Diagonal Cascade – a sculptural, stair-like element for seating and display

    Each operates as a self-contained library, contributing to a larger constellation of motion, knowledge, and exchange. This collectible edition for NOMAD Abu Dhabi is inspired by airport materiality—planes, luggage, trolleys—carrying the spirit of mobility.

Etienne Bastormagi Architecture and Design - Installation - A Nomadic Library - A glass-top metal table with two shelves holding books and notebooks, a wooden tray on top of the table, and a decorative black patterned screen in the background.

To know more about this project or to purchase your own Nomadi Library, send us an email on info@etiennebas.com or click here,

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