Doha TWIN TOWERS

DOHA TWIN TOWERS

This billowing twin tower project in Qatar was designed by GHD Global and is currently awaiting the go-ahead from an unnamed local developer. The scheme was designed to meet the client's target net floor area ratio of 398%.

Overall water consumption will be redused by 40% though the use of native plantation, water reducing fixtures, storm water re-use and grey water treatment strategies. The building also aims to produce 5% of its energy from renewable sources, such as photovoltaics, that are built into the shading system on the facade.

The Concept

The massing concept of the towers and podium is based on a series of dhows on choppy waters. The podium is designed to resemble sea waves, with two sloping ribbed forms reflecting water ripples, and will cotain commercial and retail spaces. Commenting on project challenges, Brendan Texeira, concept architect, added: "We were faced with stringent urban planning guidelines which limited not only the tower footprint, but also the podium and tower heights. The challeng was daunting."

            

THE SITE

The scheme is located in Lusail a new city that is being constructed 15km nort of Doha city centre. Situated at the first main street junction in the marina district, the  project will occupy one of the most prominent sites in Lusail.

A shading system, based on the Arabic mashrabiya, was devised through an analysis of shading patterns. This study also led to the provision of pedestrian connections with the marina boardwalk in order to animate the site.