O-14 stands at the heart of Dubai’s business bay. “The openings on the shell are modulated depending on structural requirements, views, sun exposure, and luminosity. A space nearly one meter deep between the shell and the main enclosure creates a so-called ‘chimney effect,’ a phenomenon whereby hot air has room to rise and effectively cools the surface of the glass windows behind the perforated shell. This passive solar technique essentially contributes to a natural component to the cooling system for O-14, thus reducing energy consumption and costs, just one of many innovative aspects of the building’s design.” Source

O-14, comprises of 300,000 square feet and is located along the extension of Dubai Creek, occupying a prominent location on the waterfront esplanade. The project is generating extraordinary international interest in the architectural press.  The design of O-14 fundamentally shifts away from the architectural norm in current Dubai towers by eliminating the now obligatory curtain wall solutions and above ground parking, in favour of a shade-producing, concrete load-bearing shell and an open public space at ground level.

The building was due for completion next month however difficulties in building the facade have pushed back the buildings completion to mid 2009.  The building is currently built up to the 18th floor,  the glazing has already been installed lower down and the basement areas are finished.  For Further information on the consruction process visit Building Global. See below for construction images. 

Image Sources

Dubai Business Bay will have more than 200 towers when it’s finally completed but 0-14 seems like it will be the one to stand out in the crowd.  For further information visit the project’s website: www.o14.ae.

Additionally, the winners of the 09 Skyscraper competition have been announced. The competition called for innovative designs that take into consideration the historical and social context, the existing urban fabric, the human scale, and the environment. eVolo received 416 projects from 64 different countries and awarded 3 winners and 15 special mentions, to see the full listing visit  http://www.evolo-arch.com/

First place – 0628 – Kyu Ho Chun, Kenta Fukunishi, and Jae Young Lee (USA)

Second place – 0316 – Nicola Marchi and Adelaide Marchi (France)

Third place – 0564 – Eric Vergne (USA)

Image Source: eVolo

The Harman hotel now due for completion at the end of 2010 tops out at 28 stories instead of the proposed 49, the incredible shrinking Harmon appears unfortunately stubby.

Image Source

Bleep happens, of course. Every architect has a story, a nightmare tale, of hair-raising contingencies and last-minute changes in plans. MGM Mirage downplays the effect at the Harmon, arguing that the height will scarcely be visible from the street.

“It’s still unclear how the Harmon will be capped,” the Las Vegas Sun reports, “and what reengineering will be required for such infrastructure elements as elevators and vents. If the Harmon’s exterior isn’t significantly redesigned, it risks looking unmistakably out of proportion. Think 28 oz. of tomatoes squished into a 16 oz. can.” Full Story.