The image of the capital of the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi – is constantly being updated, complemented by new unique architectural buildings. Now the construction of another masterpiece of architects of the 21st century is completed there – the multifunctional skyscraper The Capital Gate.
The project, developed by the international architectural bureau RMJM, was created on the basis of unique engineering technology for laying tiered panels. Up to the 12th floor, they are stacked vertically, and the remaining 23 tiers are offset (from 300 mm to 1,400 mm) – this gives the building a slope that impressed even the representatives of the Guinness Book of Records.
In June 2010, when the construction of the tower was actually completed, a special commission recorded that the slope of The Capital Gate is 18 °, which is 4 times the slope of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The record-breaking building is owned by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions and has been named the “gate to the capital” due to its location at the entrance to Abu Dhabi.
The foundation of The Capital Gate rests on 490 piles buried 30 meters into the ground. The facades are made using diagrid technology, which is actively used in modern architecture. It is designed with wind force and seismic pressure in mind.
Double-glazed windows are highly energy-efficient – the air is cooled between the panes, protecting the interior from overheating and eliminating glare from light.
A special design element of The Capital Gate is a steel “blanket” that descends in a smooth wave from the 19th floor to the roof of the neighboring building. Its role is not only decorative – it removes about 30% of the sun’s heat and protects the building from direct sunlight.
