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Stellar Tower, Dubai, by Make Architects
Make's initial reputation was as purveyors of high-gloss instant icons, but delve deeper into the rich visuals of their portfolio and you will find that sustainable concerns underpin much of their fascination with new forms, bold facades and innovative materials.
With a flared base reminiscent of one of Mae West's outfits, the Stellar Tower will have a prominent location in Abu Dhabi, its gold-coloured skin shimmering in the desert sun and generally giving off the impression that this is a totem of wealth and excess. Far from it; the flared top not only maximises rentable space but ensures there is plenty of room for the wind turbines, and also helps save as much rainwater as possible. Seawater is used in the cooling system, and the angular, faceted facade of the 255m high tower is designed to prevent solar gain, making the interior a calm, shady place to be.
art 15 Jun 2007
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