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SHAPE ANALYSIS DIGITAL SHAPE
Relatively modest interventions and parametric modifications of the rectangular basic shape while retaining the structural integrity of the design create the iconic appearance of the Al Nasser Group Headquarters Tower. And improves the sustainability in respect to wind loads.
ONL decided to develop a vase shaped tower, narrow at its base, gaining volume in the shaft and tapered towards the top. Since plot C.08 is a plot with a medium sized tower [GF + 1 + 19 Floors] ONL wishes to have a narrower top to allow for more open views from the higher buildings around. The vase has been styled by subtly slicing and chamfering the otherwise rectangular floorplan. Relatively modest interventions and parametric modifications of the rectangular basic shape while retaining the structural integrity of the design create the iconic appearance of the Al Nasser Group Headquarters Tower. The shape of the tower improves the sustainability in respect to wind loads since the corners of the floorplan, especially in the shaft and the capital part, are chamfered and rounded off. The window openings count for 20%~25% of the faรงade surface, at the same time reducing the cooling loss through the windows and reducing the amount of heat coming into the office floors. Silvery transparent coated glass takes care of a good ZTA / LTA value.
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The faรงade is completely covered with glass, 20%~25% vision glass 75%~80% contrast coloured spandrel panels. The structural glazing technique guarantees minimal concentration of moist dust grains and sets the sound basis for low maintenance costs. Self-cleaning glass will be considered but has to be proofed for the harsh Emirates climate. All office space are not deeper then 6 m, making all workers profit from direct daylight, and hence saving on lighting costs. The offices are divided in two zones, one closer to the daylight using less artifical light. The zones can be switched on/off separately. The fully ICT driven file to factory process alows for a maximum control on the produced materials. All component are mass-customized, which means that there will be no waste maetrial whatsoever. Mass-customization offers high-level of sustainability as seen in relation to traditional mass-production methods. The load-bearing structural faรงade needs no separate support structure for the faรงade cladding system. The same tringulation / tesselation is used for the structural support system as for the cladding system. ONL's innovative structural faรงade system reduces working hours, time and hence money and is naturally susta1inable due to its common sense straightforwardness.
SKIN ANALYSIS ENERGY SHAPE
20%~25% of the building are windows that can make the most of the areas enjoy the sunshine; the other 75%~80% are color spandrel panels that can effectively reduce quantity of heat to access, reduce the energy consumption of refrigeration.
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Roof Plan
Section
The building has two parts, each with a different function: one is low, extensive and underground, with no natural light and built in concrete; the other is spherical and with a glass shell, floating over the landscape. Taking profit of the slopes of the ground, the platform contains the logistic warehouse, the parking, the showroom, the auditorium, the light theatre, a conference room and climate and system mechanics. All these spaces need darkness, so as to show the characteristics of artificial light. The surface of the platform is, in fact, a completely equipped outdoor raised floor, covered with different panels which offer the needed flexibility to set up various displays for the outdoor showroom. Over the platform, with an uncertain dynamic equilibrium, stands the more representative area of the complex, a slightly distorted sphere. In this volume, general and management offices are found as well as investigation areas.
Function Analysis
SHAPE ANALYSIS NEGATIVE SHAPE
The whole building is divided into two parts: above and below the ground. Aerial parts was a sphere shape like a landscape. The other parts that do not need much natural lighting are placed in the ground, so the building will not only protect the environment, but also enhance the quality of the environment.
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SKIN ANALYSIS ECOLOGICAL SKIN
In order to maintain nature, the roof of the building is covered by lawns in different colors that well hide the volume. The large rooftop lawns not only absorb sunlight radiation for interior and regulate micro climate, but also be a good publicity to the concept of environmental protection.
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SHAPE ANALYSIS DIGITAL SHAPE
The faรงade design focuses on achieving a dynamic effect reflecting the handcrafted combination of two materials. The structure material, design, installation are completed through the parametric design.
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SHAPE ANALYSIS OPEN SHAPE
The project is located in the business park, building palisade structure is mainly composed of glass and wood structure, the transparent modelling introduces the surrounding beautiful environment into the building interior, also blend the building better into the surrounding environment.
Sketch