Planned as a tourist attraction and a political monument, the Volcano Fountain became an important meeting place. It created "new possibilities of living and, through them, needs that will restructure society." Embodying the idea that people should be "set free from the ground" and that "spherical spaces should be transformed into cities," [5] this fountain ended up hosting unplanned uses.
As you ascended one of the staircases, you would have met vendors selling roasted peanuts in newspaper cones, fizzy drinks, ice cream, and souvenirs. They made the ascent worth remembering. Upon reaching the top, you would find yourself on a circular platform that ran around the fountain. There would be a couple involved in an argument, tourists taking pictures, and parents with children sitting on benches.
This symbol of Abu Dhabi was demolished in 2004 to make room for the expansion of the Corniche. In 2014, the Corniche has been massively upgraded, and now offers beaches, shading, shops and seating for passersby. However, the site of the Volcano Fountain is empty, which begs the question: what are Abu Dhabi’s landmarks now?
