Now, buildings that mimic movement of sand dunes

Original Article

Abu Dhabi, Aug 20 (IANS) Two new high-rises, designed to architecturally mimic the movement of sand dunes in the desert, will soon come up in this capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has revealed the designs of the two distinctive commercial and residential towers to be developed by SinoGulf Investments.

Designed by world-renowned architect Woods Bagot, the towers will represent the abstraction of dune sand lines when the desert breeze blows, according to an ADNEC statement.

The towers will be the key features of the 8 billion-dirham ($2.17 billion) Capital Centre master development that will surround the ADNEC complex here.

‘The prestigious Capital Centre development adjacent to the Exhibition Centre will no doubt aid some of the demand for both residential and commercial accommodation currently evident within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,’ ADNEC business development director Sanjay Tanna said.

‘On completion of the second phase of the exhibition facilities at ADNEC this year, this demand for quality accommodation will become even more unprecedented,’ he added.

The two towers are scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2010 and will offer a high quality finish, extensive amenities, ample parking, high-speed lifts and retail outlets.

While the commercial tower would be 27-storeys high with four basements, the residential tower will have 23 floors with two basements.

The total project cost for both towers is in excess of 1 billion dirhams ($272.2 million).