The Capital Gate tower in Abu Dhabi has been certified as the world’s ‘furthest leaning manmade tower’ by the Guinness World Records.
The certification comes after months of strict evaluation by a Guinness committee that started in January upon completion of the exterior of the 35-story tower. The 160-meter high tower leans at an angle of 18 degrees, more than 4 times the angle of the Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company is the owner and developer of the tower. The tower is designed by international architectural firm RMJM and is slated to be completed by 2010. The tower is being built using many innovative techniques that contribute to its unique shape and strength.
Capital Gate integrates several sustainability features. The tower sports a double-glazed façade that facilitates greater energy efficiency. This is due to the air being pre-cooled between the inner and outer facades before being expelled. Also, low-emissivity glass, being used for the first time in the UAE, keeps the building’s interior cool while maintaining transparency and eliminating glare. The building also features a unique stainless steel ‘splash’ descending from the nineteenth floor. This ‘splash acts as a design element as well as a shading device that eliminates 30% of the sun’s heat before it can reach the building. The ‘splash’ also twists around the building towards the south providing the tower maximum protection from sunlight.
awful. They pick a building whose stylistic moment reigned for about 3 months in 2009? None of three gestures are resolved. Why is shaped like that? Arbitraily compositional decisions about what looks pleasing. Welcome to the new Victorian era.
At least it’s not that heinous Vincent Callebaut thing.
UNNESSCCARY USE UNRESOLVED ARCHITECTURAL ELMENTS AND FUTILE COMPLEXTITY SEEMS LIKE JUST AN ATTEMPT TO CREATE SOMETHING DIFFRENT ALTHOUGH ENGINEERS DID NICE JOB AT THE END.
This is the most Fabulous piece of Architecture I have ever seen. I loooove it silly. I am a fashion and interior designer and would like to get in contact with the designers for a major project I have ahead. WELL DONE !!!
Do you know what was the process of picking the architects (RMJM). I have seen images of this buildings but do you know if there are any images of the floor plans?
Thanks
This tower is not leaning to the side, it’s BENDING to one side! Sure would love to see the floor plan. I like the ‘splash’ thing.
Awesome piece of infrastructure. Beautiful one.