The 301-meter-high Lusail Tower cluster uses aluminum sunshades that look like fish gills, reducing 70 percent of solar radiation compared to using glass.
Lusail Towers in Qatar. Photo: Tomorrow AB/Foster + Partners
Nearing completion with a height of 301 m, the Lusail tower cluster by famous architect Norman Foster will take the title of the tallest building in Qatar, surpassing the current record holder, the 300 m high The Torch Doha hotel, CNN reported on February 29.
Construction of the towers began in January 2020 and is expected to be completed in phases over the next 12 months. Located in the city of Lusail, the project is part of a 1.1 million square meter project by British architectural firm Foster + Partners. The towers consist of four separate blocks, two 70-storey blocks and two 50-storey blocks. Each tower is expected to serve as a hub for Qatar's financial institutions.
To address the unique challenges posed by Qatar's hot climate, Foster's team eliminated some of the materials typically used for skyscrapers in cooler countries. Foster says this is part of a long-term mission to innovate tall buildings. "A lot of times you think about the tower being a glass structure, but with the climate here and the sustainability issues, you really want to protect the building from solar heat gain," he says.
The Lusail towers’ design incorporates advanced shading and ventilation systems, while the exterior of the towers is wrapped in “marine-grade” aluminum, protecting the glass from harsh sunlight while still maintaining outward views and allowing natural light. At the heart of the project are special sunshades that resemble fish gills, reducing solar radiation by 70% compared to traditional all-glass towers.
Aluminum panels help shield the towers from harsh sunlight. Photo: Tomorrow AB/Foster + Partners
“What we do is create an identity based on real needs. It’s not a fad, it’s climate reality,” Foster said.
The shading system contributed to a 35% reduction in cooling demand and overall energy consumption, according to Luke Fox, project leader and senior managing partner at Foster + Partners.
The towers are strategically placed to create maximum shade. As they rise, their shape changes as they twist 90 degrees. “We made sure that the towers were intentionally placed to twist slightly, allowing for views between the towers as they rise. It’s quite unique,” Fox said.
Thu Thao (According to CNN )
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