We are always fascinated by architecture and just what can be created by the genius minds of architects around the world. The Al Bahr Towers, engineered by ARUP and designed by Aedas Architects, is no exception. This amazing design has won numerous awards, including the CTBUH Innovation Award and was a finalist in the Best Tall Building Middle East and Africa.
The towers are located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and, according to The council on Tall Buildings and urban habitat, stand 145 meters tall. A quick glimpse at the building will already catch your attention as the star-like triangular forms of the façade bring geometric cohesion to the rounded towers.
There is something quite unique about this building though. Abu Dhabi is known for its extreme weather conditions. It is a after all, a desert. Because of the extreme heat and sunlight that can be faced by buildings in the city, the Al Bahr Towers were designed in a special way.
The design of the towers was inspired by the Mashrabiya, which was a window with a carved wood pattern that was utilised to filter the sun and create shade in upper floors of buildings which, according to Abiya mashrabiya, originated in Arabian countries many centuries ago.
A shade-creating mechanism has been designed by using this idea. The actual façade of the building is made from glass, however, frames sitting a couple of metres out from the buildings hold the innovative design. As the sun grows more intense, the triangular forms start to open up, creating shade for the building.
When the sun goes down, the forms close and create a more open pattern that shows off the glass façades of the towers. The frames allow the design to move around the towers, as does the sun. This innovative design allows for a reduction on air conditioner usage as it acts as a heat controller. It has also allowed for a less tinted glass to be used, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing view from inside.
This project is one of many new and innovative green designs and we are inspired by the thinking of the buildings’ designers.
