Abu Dhabi Investment HQ to act as landmarks at the gateway of the city

Aedas, the world's fifth largest architecture firm, recently won a design competition for the Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters (ADIC). The winning design for the 11,500m2 site was unveiled at the real estate development conference MIPIM 2008, in Cannes, France.

Occupying two neighbouring sites near Al Qurum beach, the buildings have been designed to act as landmarks at the gateway of Abu Dhabi. Once complete, the towers will provide working areas, private amenities, dining, conference and meeting spaces for more than 2,000 people.

The towers have a honeycomb structure based on geometric patterns, which has resulted in highly efficient load paths and a structural solution that is stable, flexible and economical. The design is the product of collaboration between Aedas' architectural team and its in-house research and development department.

"Our concept for the Abu Dhabi Investment Council headquarters was generated from a mathematically pre-rationalised form which was in turn derived from Islamic principles," said Peter Oborn, Aedas joint managing director.

"A key feature of the design is the application of a diaphanous screen that envelopes the most exposed aspect of the building in the form of a dynamic ‘Mashrabiya', opening and closing in response to the sun's path, significantly reducing the solar heat gain and providing a more comfortable internal environment."

In addition to the dynamic façade, the towers will also feature three sky gardens, thus, further reducing the solar heat gain on the most exposed elevation. Planned external landscaping will include a palm reserve, water features, and pedestrian routes.