IN TRANSIT : A NOMADIC LIBRARY

NOMAD Abu Dhabi, UAE, Terminal 1

2025 November 19/22

N/A

Architectural Installation

Built

Dongola / Mira Hawa Projects

Ismail Hutet / Sara Layoun

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Press Release

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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

  • “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.

  • 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.

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