Jean Nouvel, Doha, Qatar, Burj Doha, tower, skyscraper, high-rise, architectural statement, iconic design, landmark, Doha waterfront, lace-like skin, shanasheel screen, dia-grid reinforced concrete

Jean Nouvel designed quite an impressive addition to the skyline of gulf city Doha, Qatar. In his own manner, French architect created the Burj Doha as bold and elaborate and this iconic cylindrical form, a continuation of what has started with Torre Agbar, culminates in an elegant dome. The tower is completed last year and includes 46 floors above ground as well as 3 floors above. The high-rise aims to express the local culture, connecting contemporary and very modern aspirations with ancient Islamic designs.

The most unique feature of the structure is the lattice cladding, designed as a reference to the shanasheel screens which are common in the Arabic area; therefore the envelope consists of a delicate, lace-like layered façade. This decorative screen around the whole building has double function – it acts as protection from the intense summer sun and it guards the glazing from the high winds which bring the desert sands into the city.  This feature brings a pleasant working environment for the occupants of the complex and as well it creates a playful network of shadow designs on the interior.

The spacing between the windows and the cladding provides narrow walkway on every floor, enabling maintenance of the structure and the space for the installation of the illumination of the building. The pattern changes from gold to silver, and Burj Doha dynamically activates the waterfront.

The design represents fist successfully overall employed dia-grid reinforced concrete. The internal reinforced concrete forms a cross X shape that then connects with the eye-catching cylindrical façade which leaves more internal space within the core for the users of this striking edifice.

Jean Nouvel, Doha, Qatar, Burj Doha, tower, skyscraper, high-rise, architectural statement, iconic design, landmark, Doha waterfront, lace-like skin, shanasheel screen, dia-grid reinforced concrete

Jean Nouvel, Doha, Qatar, Burj Doha, tower, skyscraper, high-rise, architectural statement, iconic design, landmark, Doha waterfront, lace-like skin, shanasheel screen, dia-grid reinforced concrete

Jean Nouvel, Doha, Qatar, Burj Doha, tower, skyscraper, high-rise, architectural statement, iconic design, landmark, Doha waterfront, lace-like skin, shanasheel screen, dia-grid reinforced concrete

Jean Nouvel, Doha, Qatar, Burj Doha, tower, skyscraper, high-rise, architectural statement, iconic design, landmark, Doha waterfront, lace-like skin, shanasheel screen, dia-grid reinforced concrete

Jean Nouvel, Doha, Qatar, Burj Doha, tower, skyscraper, high-rise, architectural statement, iconic design, landmark, Doha waterfront, lace-like skin, shanasheel screen, dia-grid reinforced concrete

Jean Nouvel, Doha, Qatar, Burj Doha, tower, skyscraper, high-rise, architectural statement, iconic design, landmark, Doha waterfront, lace-like skin, shanasheel screen, dia-grid reinforced concrete

 

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