ABU DHABI’S MOST ICONIC BUILDINGS – Part1

First up, the pineapple buildings

The recently built ‘pineapple buildings’ or  ‘Honey combs-like tower’ are located on the corner between Al Saada and Al Salam Streets, the 145 meter high towers formally known as Al Bahar Towers are both 29 stories high and were designed by Aedas and Arup. One of the towers houses the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, and the other is the head office for the Al Hilal bank.

Whether you love or hate the design, these impressive towers are definitely one of a kind. They both feature a protective moving shield around the outside of the building. This beige protective veil is composed of more than 2,000 umbrella-like elements that can be opened or closed in response to the sun’s path. This system helps cool and insulate the building upon the movement of the sun.

 

These individual shading devices are controlled via the building management system therefore creating a very dynamic and intelligent facade. Reduced glare and improved daylight penetrations are some of the green effects these towers provide, which helps it to save energy and reduce the building’s AC consumption.

The architects came up with the idea in response to the need to create a building that would be sustainable, contemporary and culturally relevant.

The towers are already architectural ‘celebrities’ after winning several prices such as the ‘Best overall Project in the Middle East’ in 2013. Al Bahar Towers have been already featured on  Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s “Innovative 20” list of buildings that “challenge the typology of tall buildings in the 21st century” of a Chicago-based Council.

Want to know more about the Al Bahar Towers? Check this CNN video

Al Bahar Towers
Abu Dhabi
Location Map

 

 

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