United Tower with Al Bahr facade

The United Tower

Location: Bahrain Bay, Manama, Bahrain

Architect: Ahmed Janahi Architects

The United Tower is a striking 50-story skyscraper featuring a twisted form that gradually rotates 180 degrees from the base to the top. This dynamic design not only makes the tower visually unique but also improves wind resistance and optimizes natural light.

Al Bahr Tower

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Architect: Aedas Architects

The Al Bahr Towers are known for their innovative, adaptive façade that responds to sunlight. The exterior features a dynamic shading system inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, reducing solar gain and improving energy efficiency.

I experimented with incorporating the Al Bahr facade system into The United Tower design. Here’s how I approached the modeling process step-by-step:

Parametric rotating family:

For this tower, we needed to create a rotating family. I started by creating a reference line as the core element for rotation. I made sure that the line was equal in length on both sides of the origin to ensure smooth rotation around the center.

I applied equality dimensions to keep the reference line centered and prevent irregular behavior during rotation. Also, I added a second reference line for stability, ensuring proper rotation around the center. After that, i created the basic shape of the tower and added depth, width parameters, and an angle dimension to control rotation and tested it with various angles. The angle is controlled by multiplying the number parameter (N) by 180 degrees. By adjusting the N value, I can dynamically rotate the building form.

To achieve this twisted building, I gradually rotated the building mass 180 degrees from the ground level to the top.

Create a Geometric mass model:

So, I started with the floor levels. I defined the total building height (200 meters) and divided it into five equally spaced levels. The height, width, depth, and rotation angle were controlled through parameters, allowing for easy adjustments.

To achieve the twisting form, I copied the rotation family to each of the five levels. The rotation was controlled by an instant parameter (N), which I increased by 0.25 at each level. This gradually rotated the building mass by multiplying the N value by 180 degrees, giving the desired spiral effect from the base to the top. After that, I created a mass volume using the rotation family outlines.

I tested the height, width, and rotation parameters to ensure the twisting effect was smooth and accurate. By adjusting the N value, the building mass rotated as intended.

Adaptive Curtain Panels of Al Bahr:

First, I set up the Pattern and Properties. So, I selected a family for the pattern( Metric curtain pattern-based family) and adjusted properties from a rectangle to a triangular flat pattern.

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Using the Family Types dialog, I defined key dimensions, like the height, base, and length. These parameters controlled the movement of the facade.
Using reference planes, lines, and control points, I structured the facade's geometry. Then, I applied simple formulas to define the angles and dimensions.
I aligned and scaled everything based on the parameters I set, making sure all elements moved smoothly.
Then, for movement, I linked the movement of the panels to the parameters using formulas that simulate dynamic behavior, such as folding and unfolding.
Once I had the geometry and movement working, I turned the reference lines into solid panels and adjusted the thickness and material properties.
I played around with the parameters to ensure the panels opened and closed correctly, just as I had planned.

Lastly, I assigned materials like aluminum to give the panels a realistic look.

Create a building envelope:

Next, I loaded the parametric adaptive curtain panels into the building mass model, placed them on the building facade, and made the final adjustment to the building. So, for that, first, I divided the building facade and adjusted the grid. Then, I selected the facade and applied loaded panels on the facade.