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Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Headquarters

Inspired by the shifting sand dunes and billowing sails of its locale, the dramatic form of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) headquarters transforms the city’s waterfront skyline with a gesture of transparency and welcome.

The design creates an emblem of the bank’s mission and values, emphasizing openness by folding the structure’s vertical plane three times to create two outstretched “arms” in an inviting gesture. Representing contemporary commerce and culture in Abu Dhabi, the building juxtaposes modernity with tradition to echo themes found in Islamic architecture. Its slim stair tower creates a dialogue with the slender minarets of the adjacent mosque.

In response to the brief, the two wings provide well-lighted cellular offices and allow for intimate, open-plan work areas. Informal meetings take place within central landscaped atria and their sky gardens, recalling the Islamic tradition of planted interior spaces. In the lower ground floor, a grand auditorium can be combined with the adjacent reception area to provide a formal gathering space for ADIA’s employees.

The building is responsive to natural forces. Its “active” façade comprises three layers: a low-e-coated, double-glazed outer skin; a single-glazed internal skin; and a solar-controlled blind in the cavity. This composite provides a high shading coefficient and U-value and lowers the cooling load on the building.

Location

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Client

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

Size

87,400 m2 / 939,800 ft2

Certification

BREEAM Excellent

Awards

Technical Excellence in Architectural Technology (CIAT 2008), Best Commercial/Office Building (Cityscape Middle East Real Estate Awards 2008), International Architecture Award (The Chicago Athenaeum2008), Building Awards: Best Commercial Project – Built -Shortlisted- (The Gulf States 2008), Europe-Finalist- (ULI Awards for Excellence 2008), World Architecture Festival Award-Shortlisted- (2008)

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Project Type:Headquarters
Project Location:Middle East + Africa