ADIA Headquarters, Abu Dhabi Tower HQ

ADIA Headquarters, Tower, UAE HQ Building, Photos, Offices, Architect, Design, Location

ADIA Headquarters Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Building: HQ Development – design by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates – KPF

20 Oct 2008

ADIA Headquarters

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Headquarters, Abu Dhabi, UAE
2006
Design: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)

Building opens to the Corniche and the sea; Detail view of the top of the tower
ADIA Headquarters ADIA Headquarters Abu Dhabi
photos : H.G. Esch

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Headquarters

Taking inspiration from regional elements such as billowing sails and shifting sand dunes, the dramatic form of the new corporate headquarters for the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) transforms the city’s waterfront skyline.

Seeking a building form that symbolized the bank’s mission and values, the design of the new facility emphasizes transparency and openness. In folding the structure’s vertical plane three times to create two outstretched “arms” in an inviting gesture.

Designed to represent contemporary commerce and culture in Abu Dhabi, the ADIA Headquarters building also subtly echoes themes found in age-old Islamic architecture. Its slim stair tower creates a dialogue with the slender minarets of the adjacent mosque: an intriguing juxtaposition of modernity and tradition.

Upper atrium ; View from the Corniche – east elevation
ADIA HQ Abu Dhabi ADIA Headquarters building
photos : H.G. Esch

Cellular and open-plan office spaces were required, as were zones for interaction and meetings. The building’s 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.

The atrium, which soars 492 feet (150 meters), also serves as an extract chimney for stale air. 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.

View from the city center looking toward the Corniche; Main entry canopy
ADIA Headquarters view entry canopy
photos : H.G. Esch

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.

East facade detail; atrium detail
facade detail ADIA atrium
photos : H.G. Esch

ADIA Headquarters Abu Dhabi – Building Information

Client: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

Program: Facility Corporate Headquarters

Size:
939,700ft² / 87,300m²
318,800ft² / 29,600m² separate parking structure

Status:
Completed 2006

Awards:
– Cityscape Middle East Real Estate Awards Best Commercial/Office Building (2008)

– ULI Awards for Excellence: Europe Finalist (2008)

– Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design International Architecture Award (2008)

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Headquarters, Abu Dhabi, UAE images / information from Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)

KPF

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

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