© Archea Associati . Pubblicata il 14 Maggio 2009.

CONCEPT

© Archea Associati . Pubblicata il 14 Maggio 2009.

2Dtower aims to interpret the very essence of Dubai, one of the busiest hubs in the world, melting pot of cultures, diversities, tradition and modernity. As suggested in the competition brief, the concept design originates from the necessity to provide a new reference in the city skyline, a magnetic focal point to be impressed in the minds of visitors as symbol of Dubai itself. A meaningful, thoroughly studied simplicity is essential to summarize the complexity and depths of such a relevant place. Tradition and modernity must both be present to resemble today’s Dubai Renaissance, built upon ancient history and developed with the newest technologies. Traditional architecture, focused on the sculptural value of materials and at the same time softened by the use of symmetrical patterns creating extensive screens and diaphragms, becomes the starting point of 2Dtower research. This concept has been investigated, studied and developed using technologies of contemporary architecture. Landmark, giant size sculpture, maxi-scaled assertion of cultural outstandingness, 2Dtower’s design originates from the concept of Arabic textures and patterns, two dimensional diaphragms evolving in geometrical, regular shapes to adorn architectures of yesterday and today. Texture, pattern, structure become whole, screening and at the same time holding the weight of the architecture itself. Two simple, twin textures become magnified structure systems, holding, protecting different functions in between. Their modularity allows a fluid, rational construction process. Like a giant hive, the static configuration of the structure is brought to life by the busy interexchanged movement of the visitors inside, in between levels, on suspended garden platforms and primarily along the vertical columns, characterized by highly efficient elevator systems. In a constant vibrant loop, the elevators play an undisputedly central role, becoming the main circulation means of transportation to reach the different levels of the tower, and visible moving element of design. On the different floor levels, like the city itself, 2Dtower aims to offer visitors different perceptions of Dubai, while entertaining them with recreational and cultural activities. Small rooftop gardens provide pleasant areas where to stop enjoying the views, underlying the particular care of the design given to environmental protection and sustainability issues. Massive volumes versus elegant intricate patterns, solidity of stone and brick materials balanced by curved, concave spaces, traditional Arabic architecture has always had an inner duplicity able to perfectly regroup into a perfect whole. The duality of the traditional design is reflected here into the different perception of the building in relation to the distance from the point of view. While from afar, it resembles the landmark of contemporary Dubai, an incredible modern macro-scaled sculpture generated from the very basic elements of Arabic and Middle Eastern art. Up close, it envelops its true functional nature, a vertical, ecological, public space, held together by an outstanding structure and gifted of the latest technological devices.

© Archea Associati . Pubblicata il 14 Maggio 2009.

DESCRIPTION

© Archea Associati . Pubblicata il 14 Maggio 2009.

The design of the tower is regulated along the shape of the structure, created using steel prefabricated modules evolving on two symmetrical geometrical textures. One single module has been designed to achieve the best compromise between aesthetical, functional, economical requirements, made of one main element on which extremes a couple of arms is attached. This module is therefore arranged in series, varying its position and orientation, always kept on the same plane, thus creating a pattern of pentagonal and hexagonal shapes in which the holes created by the juxtaposition of the modules play a central role.

© Archea Associati . Pubblicata il 14 Maggio 2009.

Environmental issues are taken into serious consideration in 2Dtower design, especially related to the particular climate of the city. Recyclable material is predisposed for the structure, the finishing of the external surface, and several areas inside. The sunlight and the heat coming from the outside are balanced with different screen systems and, at ground level, with the use of a canopy which covers the main activities. A high level of energy efficiency is assured by the extensive use of photovoltaic cells: between the main elements of the structure, several holes are covered with a skin of multilayered glass, with photovoltaic cells acting both as contributors to the energetic balance of the building and as screens for the direct sun light so to allow a more conformable life inside and a better protection from the heat. The podium, horizontal counterpart to the verticality of the project, holds public areas and recreational activities, a covered space full of life receiving natural light from vast skylights and screened from the heat by its very design. Rooftop gardens act as natural balancing elements for the internal climate; a controlled, both natural and artificial air conditioning system, powered by the photovoltaic cells inside the glass panels, and easy accessibility to every area of the project allow a very enjoyable experience.

FUNCTIONS

The circulation system is designed following the idea of a loop; visitors accede to the tower via a covered passage. Accesses by car are also provided from the main road, and an underground parking area allows smooth access to the upper levels. The podium, the first element to be accessed by the visitors, is divided into two main areas facing South-West and North East. On these locations, the passage opens into wide squares and plazas, the tall ceiling level allows for different collective events. Activities such as sport competitions, banquets, and cultural gatherings can all be arranged in these areas, satisfying the demand typical of contemporary cities for open public areas. The roof covers the whole extension of the squares, making the activities held there pleasant and enjoyable; natural light comes from framed skylights on the rooftop. The tower’s ground floor welcomes visitors in a spacious lobby, providing simple access to the information desks, services and elevators. Connected to the lobby by escalators is the restaurant and bar area, at level 11m. At level 21m is located the children’s library, a friendly environment for kids and teenagers to read and study, giving the tower a particular cultural connotation, thus linking it to the outstanding renaissance in progress in the city of Dubai. Levels 51m, 65m and 101m are given the functions of auditoriums and conference halls, crowned at levels 31m, 77m and 114m by suspended gardens, which resemble the ultimately ecologically conscious design of 2Dtower and help the balance of the interior climate, thus, saving energy. Level 151m is a design-cocktail bar and cafeteria, to enjoy refreshments while watching the panorama. Top level 161m is the panoramic terrace, providing the most outstanding point of view of the city of Dubai and a staggeringly dramatic panorama on each direction. The central location of 2Dtower will assure a perfect view all over the city, and will become one of the main tourist attractions in Dubai. The use of photovoltaic panels, recyclable materials, suspended gardens, climate control and energetically efficient technologies determine the most efficient, contemporary, sustainable design.

TECHNOLOGY

2Dtower is designed aiming to adopt the most flexible and effective technology possible. The structure is made of steel and composed by standardized modular element, allowing a straightforward and rational construction phase, plus meeting the proposed requirement for ecological and recyclable materials. The decision to base the whole design on one modular element assures a significant economical, functional advantage, also reducing the cost, difficulties and time needs for its own assemblage. The modules connect one to each other thus forming a double layer net, a 2 dimensional system connected and held together by different volumes, having the double function of holding the supporting activities of restaurant, cafeteria, library, congress hall and auditorium respectively, and counterbalancing the structure’s dynamics by connecting and holding together the two separate layers in which the structure is divided. The energetic requirements of the tower are partially satisfied by an extensive use of solar photovoltaic technologies integrated inside the glass panels; the photovoltaic cells, in addition to providing electricity in a most sustainable way, screen the light and create a more comfortable ambience inside the activity volumes. Climate quality control is ensured by natural ventilation, natural balance offered by rooftop gardens working like suspended greenhouses, screens adopted for every glass surface limiting the amount of heat and sunlight inside and an artificial air conditioning system. The circulation plan for the visitors of 2Dtower is centered on the use of two vertical distribution elevator systems: for a fast, controlled and safe trip to the top levels of the tower, AC gearless traction elevators guarantee a comfortable and quick trip to the highest floors up to a maximum speed of 1200 fpm; a speed-controlled AC traction elevator also provides a slower, more relaxed enjoyment of the panorama while moving upwards to the highest levels or downwards on the route back to the ground floor area. Technology and design, as a result, work together, complementing each other with the culmination of the most significant and superior work of architecture for Dubai.