The dome’s complex pattern is the result of a highly studied geometric design.

It involved close
collaboration between the architectural design team at Ateliers Jean Nouvel and the structural
engineers at BuroHappold Engineering. The pattern is repeated at various sizes and angles in the
eight superimposed layers. Each ray of light must penetrate the eight layers before appearing
then disappearing. The result is a cinematic effect as the sun’s path progresses throughout the
day. it forms 7,850 stars visible from both inside and out. Named the ‘rain of light’, this effect has
been the subject of many models and mock-ups over the years and is one of the defining features
of the concept. 

A vast dome, 180 metres in diameter, covers the majority of the museum city and is visible from
the sea, the surrounding areas and Abu Dhabi city. This dome was constructed by the Austrian
company Waagner Biro who specialize in steel structures. The dome consists of eight different
layers: four outer layers clad in stainless steel and four inner layers clad in aluminium separated
by a steel frame five metres high. The frame is made of 10,000 structural components pre-
assembled into 85 super-sized elements, each weighing up to 50 tonnes.

. It wishes to create a welcoming world serenely combining light and shadow, reflection and
calm. 

 experience a stunning play of light and shade cast by an intricate metal lattice,