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The Constellation at The Founder’s Memorial, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Zutari helped bring to life The Constellation, a monumental public artwork honouring the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

Client

The Founder’s Memorial, Abu Dhabi

Project date

2018

The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi was unveiled on the centenary of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s birth. It serves as a space for reflection and learning, allowing future generations to engage with the values and legacy of the UAE’s founding father. At its heart stands The Constellation, a striking 3D portrait designed by American artist Ralph Helmick.

The opportunity

The Constellation is framed within a 30-metre tall, prism-like pavilion open on two sides. The sculpture comprises 1,327 floating geometric elements suspended from 1,110 cables, forming a pointillist likeness of Sheikh Zayed. The challenge was to engineer a buildable solution that would allow the artist’s vision to be realised while ensuring structural integrity, safety, and resilience in Abu Dhabi’s harsh climate.

What we did

Zutari was appointed to engineer the structure, cables, and materials for The Constellation. Our scope included:

  • Designing cable systems to minimise sound, vibration, corrosion, wire fatigue, and structural stress

  • Developing pre-tensioning solutions to counteract thermal changes

  • Conducting wind studies to determine optimal cable material and diameter for wind speeds up to 40 m/s

  • Collaborating closely with the artist to ensure the engineering aligned with the evolving sculpture design

  • Providing programme management and project controls throughout the build


The engineering team embraced the complexity of the project, engaging in extensive research, modelling, and analysis to ensure the sculpture would endure Abu Dhabi’s hot, windy, and hazy conditions.
The Constellation: a 3D portrait of Sheikh Zayed composed of 1,327 geometric elements suspended within a towering pavilion.

The outcome

The Constellation stands as a powerful tribute to Sheikh Zayed, reflecting the reverence of the Emirati people. The project successfully merged art and engineering, creating a landmark that is both technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant.

Zutari’s contribution to The Founder’s Memorial exemplifies the fusion of creative vision and engineering precision. The Constellation is not only a technical achievement but also a cultural beacon, honouring a legacy that continues to inspire.

“An outstanding piece of art reflecting the people’s reverential feelings for Sheikh Zayed.”

Project Stakeholder

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