the innovative structure of al sharq tower « momeld – modern living

the innovative structure of al sharq tower

March 6, 2008

Here’s another gem for Dubai. Designed by SOM, the 1,180 ft., Al Sharq tower on Sheikh Zayed Road is a 268 unit luxury apartment high-rise.

(Click images for larger view)

The tower is a mixture of iconic form, innovative structure, and ingenious spatial qualities for sky-high living. At 90 stories, Al Sharq isn’t close to being the tallest building in town – that’s reserved for Burj Dubai – however, with a height-to-width aspect ratio of 1:10, it is one of the skinniest towers that you’ll find in the world.

It’s able to achieve such thinness because of the structural tube concept. Diagrammatically, the building is composed of 9 forty foot diameter cylinders, which are gathered in a cell-like matrix – creating a very rigid structure. In reality the center “cylinder” is the concrete core, connecting the exterior 8 tubes together and providing much needed lateral support. But here’s where the real innovation occurs. Look closely at the plans below. Where are the perimeter columns? The spiraling pattern you see on the facade is actually 0.6-inch- to 2-inch-diameter high-strength galvanized steel wires spaced approximately 5 feet apart. Now, time for a bit of speculation. From what I can tell, these cables tie back to the concrete shear walls and also connect to the slabs. In essence the slabs are hanging from the cables. The end result is wide open, column free interiors.