The Ultimate Tower – Burj Dubai - Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH

visualisation muharraqi-studios, Atkins (r.)
Atkins Architects: World Trade Center,
Manama, Bahrain
The two 240 m towers, reminiscent of sails, of
the new World Trade Center will decisively
shape the skyline of the city of Manama. The
three connecting bridges upon each of which a
wind turbine is installed are powered by the
strong coastal winds of the Persian Gulf. The
energy generated in this way covers 15% of the
entire energy consumption of the towers
(which are primarily designated as offices). As
there were no comparison values for this integration
of wind power into a building, it was
necessary to conduct technically sophisticated
tests and simulations to assess the vibration
behaviour and to verify the dimensions of the
components. As a result, it is now possible to
affix wind turbines with a diameter of 29
metres to a building. However, the planners
were not just interested in the superlative, they
also provided, by means of complex landscaping,
for sufficient natural shading in the plinth
base of the towers. The intensive greening not
only hinders the disturbing glare from the
glass facades, but also serves as a means of CO2
reduction.
pulse 01 | 2008