Dubai International Financial Center / ACDF Architects
Canadian-based ACDF Architects have designed an International Financial Center for Dubai (DIFC). The DIFC draws inspiration from geographical and geological properties to create a structure that becomes a natural extension of the site. ACDF Architects work to link the architecture with the region to “give the impression that the building takes root from these natural components instead of simply being an imposing object on the DIFC properties.”
More about the project after the break.
The complex consists of two towers which are connected by an elevated horizontal platform. The main tower emerges from the ground while the second tower rests atop the platform. The underside of the platform provides circulation space so the site is accessible from all sides, and the upper surface offers a continuation of the main street that incorporates a green environment and cafes and restaurants. Light is diffused to the underside through perforated angled pre-cast concrete panels and a reflective pool. With this connection, ACDF Architects have created a complex that not only consists of the two towers, but also the space in between.
The facade of the main tower is clad in a triangulated reflective skin that provides texture to the structure while emphasizing the structure’s sculptural nature. The triangulated pattern, which is inspired by Islamic geometry, is comprised of three glass panels that have different properties. The top panels, shaded by serigraph, reduce solar glare and minimize heat gain, the side photovoltaic panels absorb solar energy to provide power for most of the public zones, while the bottom clear glazed panels provide views. The skin of the smaller tower lays flat to provide a strong contrast that creates a “seductive dialogue between a polish and textured triangulated glazed facade”.
The torsion of the main tower creates pockets in the structure for varying programs. These specific spaces reveal the “sculptural qualities to the viewer, becoming moments in the building that express materiality, color, light, and mystery,” explained the architects.
We also recently featured ACDF Architects for their Aqueducts and Sewer Project.
Design Architect: ACDF* architectes-urbanisme-intérieur
Architects and Engineer: ACDF* architects – msdl – ibrdli
Design Team: Maxime Frappier, Benoit Dupuis, Joan Renaud, Patrick Morand, Yien Chao, Mathieu Cadoret, Fahed Hammami, Yves Dagenais, André Dupras, Patrick Bourget, Essam Ibrahim
Location: Dubai – UAE
Client: Dubai International Financial Centre
Area: Tower A: 78 780m2, Tower B: 28 025m2
The plan form and elevations look almost exactly like Eisenman’s Alteka Office Building in Japan.
And the facade is a copy of Barkow Leibingers TruTech building in Seoul. (http://www.barkowleibinger.com/).
I have no problem with selfpromotion by architectural firms, but at least it would be nice to see a little creativity and innovative thinking in the projects piblished here.
also most of the images look like they are not yet finished.
this is utter crap………………………………. !
This is insulting… What do they think they are playing at!
coool
If that is copies – everything is copies… But it’s more than fair to say it is heavily inspired by theese things. It is also fair to say it never comes close to reach their level…
And it wont be build in Dubai, it nowhere near ugly enough:)
Wait, maybe put a big tacky sign on it and some curly shity detalis and it’s credible..
But as they are broke, this is most likely just a vaige attemt to make people believe they still have money..
hmmm: “they designed not only two towers but also the space between” – Is awareness of the voids our projects create really supposed to be special now?
Am I the only one who thinks this facade is stunning? The depth would be amazing from both macro and micro scale. When you’re far away, you would see it shimmer and sparkle as it catches light and colors from different angles, then up close it creates a readable pattern. I don’t think the facade is a rip off of Barkow Leibinger, although the idea might be, this facade pattern is much more elegant.
True, the form isn’t great and the justification for the form is under thought, but this kind of facade can work with thousands of different forms. And since this is obviously just schematics, I’m sure their form will change (I hope their form will change). LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE!
Looks a lot like the facade of the Trutec Building in Korea by Barkow Leibinger, built like 3 years ago.
“Oh, that Seagram Building. It’s like so yesterday – it’s just like that Lever House, built like 6 years ago.”
I also dont really appreciate lack of supporting diagrams or context in the ‘aerial’ render. This is just shape making. And bad shape making at that.
The inside is a real let down. The outside is ok… slightly grotesque.
- У вас нитки в продаже есть? – Есть. – А суровые? – Да п#здец просто. Подойти боюсь!