Wasl Tower
In October 2017, UNStudio and Werner Sobek unveiled their design for a new Dubai skyscraper with what has been described as the 'world's tallest ceramic facade'.
Wasl Tower will be located in an exceptional, central position along Sheikh Zayed Road, the main thoroughfare that connects the Emirates north to south - and directly opposite the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
The 300 m-high skyscraper is designed with a twisted, asymmetric shape and will be clad in glazed clay tiles that interlace to form sweeping curves. According to the designers, their concept adopts the principle of 'counterpose', a form in classical sculpture which involves one foot taking more weight and the shoulders and hips being naturally twisted off-axis.
The facade will be illuminated at night in a programmed rhythm, giving the impression that the building is breathing. Developed by Arup, the lights will be positioned behind the fin-shaped tiles and will be powered through solar panels installed on the roof of a nearby car park. The carefully-angled tiles will also provide shade whilst allowing natural light to filter into the building.
The mixed-use building will be operated by hotel group Mandarin Oriental and, in addition to a hotel, will contain offices, private apartments, and public spaces. An open seam will run the full height of the tower, forming a 'vertical boulevard' of stacked outdoor balconies and greenery, with an infinity pool at the top.
Construction began in 2016, and is scheduled to complete in 2020.
Content and images courtesy of UNStudio.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.