Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s Infinity Tower in Dubai began construction in 2006 and seven years later the works are almost complete. In architects’ own words, the design for the Tower exemplifies their belief that the exterior form of a high-rise should be a direct expression of its structural framework. In their understanding, great architecture must be more than skin deep and that is reflected as powerfully today in Infinity Tower as in such SOM 20th century landmark designs as Lever House, Sears Tower and John Hancock Center.
The building’s unique, elegant form is its most visually striking feature, reflecting ever-changing shapes of the deserts, winds, and seas that surround it. Positioned perpendicularly to the sea, the building gradually rotates 90 degrees – each floor is rotated 1.2˚ to create a full twist from bottom to top, while maintaining a consistent floor plate. The design had to overcome extreme climate conditions, by efficiently controlling intense desert heat and this winding shape protects interior from the sun, while helps providing excellent views for its residents. Metal panels and screens cladding ensures additional shade from the intense Arabic heat.
The structural system of this 73-storey high skyscraper is a high-strength reinforced concrete column superstructure, cast-in-place. The shape and size of the columns were determined by wind tunneltesting and three dimensional computer modeling to analyze the building’s stresses.
Dubai’s new landmark, Infinity Tower, dynamic and twisted, with great waterfront views and first class amenities such as infinity pool, whirlpool and multi-use spaces, redefines luxury standards and residential high-rise architecture.
