“Blossoming Dubai” Competition for ThyssenKrupp Jan 2009

  

In collaboration with Petra Architects we entered the architectural competition for ThyssenKrupp in Dubai in order to create a building that would stand as a Landmark for ThyssenKrupp, in Za'abeel Park.

We based our design on the form of a blossoming flower. the tower is equipped with two elevators running on spiral rails (spiral of the most simple geometry turning 135 degrees while ascending 138 meters). These lifts ascend from lower ground floor (where the visitors enter) to the cafeteria level and the viewing platform above. Apart from the previously mentioned elevators that can cover all visitor access (including disabled access), there are also two staircases fitted in the spiraling elements of the building. The latter can be used on an emergency case.

Since day one on the design process, we decided to start modeling in 3D. From sketch models until the finalized design I felt the importance of being able to easily change and manipulate the form of the building, so I tried to use a more parametric approach, leaving headroom for the above. In Cinema 4D I was able to do so, and with great flexibility in workflow, we were able to focus more on the design process without worrying about facing modeling limitations.

Having adopted this workflow gave me enough time to add details on the building and model the landscape and surrounding environment. We then had time to focus on the views and materials for the building and gave me enough time to produce A1 size renders. After the rendering was done, the images were taken to Photoshop for post work, adding surroundings, tweaking lighting and color and compositing with people, skies  and surroundings for the final presentation.
Our competition proposal has, since, been published in numerous sites such as: WorldArchitectureNews, designboom, design-r.info, design42day, World Arab Architecture, Art & Design, and also on the Concept magazine in Korea.