Of all twisting skyscrapers in the world, the DUBAI’S CAYAN TOWER happens to be the latest milestone in twisted architecture marvel.
The cayan tower, previously known as infinity tower, is a 75-storey residential skyscraper that twists 90 degrees from top to bottom. It is 306 metres tall, which is equivalent to 1,004ft. It is the world’s tallest high-rise building with a twist of 90 degrees and the 10th tallest residential building in the world.
The tower was inspired by the structure of the human DNA, the tower looks like a geometric puzzle-a square skyscraper that was wrung out by a giant.
The cayan tower offers various changing views of its prestigious marina location, the lower portion of the tower is facing the exciting waterfront promenade of Dubai marina, while the upper floors are oriented towards the gulf, and this would be of great benefit to the residents living in its 570 luxury apartments
THE ENGINEERING DESIGN OF THE TWISTING TOWER
The cayan tower is built in a sophisticated way, each of the 75 hexagonal floor plates are rotated around the buildings cylindrical core by 1.2 degree (1.2*75= 90 degrees). Hence, the entire twist of the building sums up to be 90 degree twist, creating the shape of a helix.
The twisted shape of the building reduces wind forces on the tower and directs the wind in such a way that its forces cannot organize themselves, in other words, the spiral shape of the tower causes the wind to be disorganized, because of this, the wind forces causes less effect on the tower.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The exterior is made up of deep concrete exteriors which are cladded in a metal skin having perforated screens which acts to shield the building’s interior from the hot desert sun. The interior columns and corner columns twist in ascending order, but most of the perimeter columns have an identical shape and tilted relationship to the floor plate. The columns are simply shifted, a little more than a single degree from floor to floor, which results in a standardized construction method common to most concrete structures. The twisted profile aims to reduce powerful wind forces on the tower by dispersing them around the exterior, while the perforated metal skin is designed to screen the interior from harsh desert sunlight.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Inside, the perimeter columns have the same shape and are bent in relationship with the floor plates, however, the core and the interior columns twist like all the overall structure as they move in an ascending order.
However, another concern is, how would the plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems of this twisting building be handled? Would the fittings also twist together with the building? This case was solved easily, the engineers came up with a great approach- The plumbing system, mechanical and electrical systems have been set up to pass through the central core which allows them to run in a straight path. What an amazing and intelligent idea.
FACTS ABOUT THE CAYAN TOWER
One of the main reasons for cayan tower’s iconic twist was to maximize residents’ views across the Dubai Marina and the nearby palm island.
The twist also creates a variable silhouette. From one angle, the tower appears hourglass-shaped, from another, the middle floors appear to bow outwards.
The floor plates are not the only things that were optimized.
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CONCLUSION
The Dubai’s cayan skyscraper is a pure expression of the idea that a building’s form should directly follow its structural framework. The magnificient surface qualities of the cayan tower is secondary to its powerful geometric presence, a mighty twisting prism. The purity of the building’s sculptural profile is all the more striking when you consider that it has hundreds of balconies-all tucked stealthily into the recesses created by pulling the curtain wall from the outside screens. The Dubai’s cayan tower is another example of the hidden design work that is required in a project that started by twisting the rational, and concluded by rationalizing the twist.
References
For more information, materials sources are listed below
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