Case Study Doha Tower
Case Study Doha Tower
Case Study Doha Tower
C SEMINAR
JALPA
B-3513
DOHA TOWER
DOHA,QATAR
Architect :
Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Client :
Sheikh Saud bin Muhammed Al Thani
Design :
2002-2003
Completed :
2012
INTRODUCTION :
• The Doha Tower is one of the most visible architectural landmarks
of Doha, giving a modern identity to the skyline of the city from
its location in the West Bay business district.
• Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the 46 story Doha
Tower was commissioned by Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al
Thani specifically to address the need for an outstanding
example of contemporary architecture for Doha and its skyline
that also reflected Qatar’s Islamic heritage
• Nouvel’s design for the Doha Tower is based on a round-tower
typology covered with a facade in aluminium as an adaptation
of the Islamic mashrabiyya screen with an abstract, geometric
pattern at different scales producing a sculptural aesthetic.
• This aluminium screen is part of a double facade combined with
a glass curtain wall that creates a play of light and shade in the
interior office spaces. Large open-plan floors are generated
through the application of an innovative diagrid (diagonal grid)
structure of round, reinforced concrete columns located in the
perimeter of each office floor.
PLAN
BUILDING DATA
• The Doha Tower is cylindrical in shape and measures 45 metres in
diameter. It is capped by a full-span dome and topped by a
lightning conductor spire at a level of 231.5 metres above ground
with a total built-up area of approximately 110000 m2 on 46 floors
and three basement floors on a 13000 m2 plot.
Structural system :
• The primary vertical load of the building is placed on a diagrid
“tube” of canted round columns forming an X-shaped structural
frame at the perimeter of the circular floor plan that also takes
75% of the lateral wind-bracing loads. These interwoven
diagonal reinforced columns with an eight-floor module tapering
slightly at the top are located in the interior space of the Doha
Tower and take up the primary load of the building, with further
structural support provided by the rectangular central core and
post-tensioned ring beams at every level.
• This diagrid structure allows for three-meter floor heights and
open floor space. The steel and glass dome at the top of the
building has a crisscrossing lattice-steel structure distinct from the
diagrid columns.
• The primary concession to the site and desert climate in the
building’s architecture is the transformation in the density of the
geometric exterior aluminium façade screen in filtering sunlight.
• This screen, based on traditional examples of Islamic architecture
in Qatar, has more layers and hence more visually density on the
east and south side to provide more solar protection.
• The geometry of this outer layer of the double facade of the
Doha Tower is the most distinctive feature of the architecture
visible from the exterior.
• Reflections of the steel and aluminium facade during daytime
give way to dramatic lighting of the building at night that firmly
establishes its visual dominance of the skyline, as the architect
and client intended.
INSIDE SPACES:
The steel and glass dome at the top of the building has a
crisscrossing lattice-steel structure distinct from the diagrid
columns.
REFERENCES :
• ARCHDAILY
• http://www.archdaily.com/69449/in-progress-doha-office-
tower-qatar-ateliers-jean-nouvel-nelson-
garrido/jean_nouvel_high_rise_office_building_qatar0006
• ARCHNET