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One of the tallest ceramic facades in the world will be built, where else, but Dubai. UNStudio collaborated with Werner Sobek to design a new tower for Wasl Development Group on Dubai's skyscraper-framed Sheikh Zayed Road. The main thoroughfare connecting the Emirates is home to much of the world's envelope-pushing architecture, and the Wasl Tower aims to add another supertall to the mix.
The 300-metre-tall tower employs a "contrapposto" movement, with the facade twisting as it rises. Clay was chosen as the main cladding material and low-tech, glazed ceramic fins will be added over the basic skin to create the required "closed" surfaces. The fins will provide shade and also reflect natural light inside the building. A facade lighting system will be tucked behind the fins.
The zipper-like seam that runs along the full height of the tower creates a "vertical boulevard" that will culminate with rooftop infinity pools. The seam is created by a series of stacked balconies that also affords green space to the exterior.
Three 300-metre-high shear walls in the core connect to four large outriggers on strategic levels to permit a highly efficient floor plate for the offices, residences, 250 hotel rooms, and public areas contained within. The building's internal programs will be accessed by separate high-speed express lifts. A low-rise parking structure houses a column-free ballroom on the first floor, while the roof features an outdoor pool deck connected to the tower's spa lobby via a pedestrian bridge.
The entire building will be operated by Mandarin Oriental when it completes construction in 2020. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.
