Wasl Tower
In October 2017, UNStudio and Werner Sobek unveiled their design for a new Dubai skyscraper with what has been described as the 'world's tallest ceramic facade'.
Wasl Tower will be located in an exceptional, central position along Sheikh Zayed Road, the main thoroughfare that connects the Emirates north to south - and directly opposite the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
The 300 m-high skyscraper is designed with a twisted, asymmetric shape and will be clad in glazed clay tiles that interlace to form sweeping curves. According to the designers, their concept adopts the principle of 'counterpose', a form in classical sculpture which involves one foot taking more weight and the shoulders and hips being naturally twisted off-axis.
The facade will be illuminated at night in a programmed rhythm, giving the impression that the building is breathing. Developed by Arup, the lights will be positioned behind the fin-shaped tiles and will be powered through solar panels installed on the roof of a nearby car park. The carefully-angled tiles will also provide shade whilst allowing natural light to filter into the building.
The mixed-use building will be operated by hotel group Mandarin Oriental and, in addition to a hotel, will contain offices, private apartments, and public spaces. An open seam will run the full height of the tower, forming a 'vertical boulevard' of stacked outdoor balconies and greenery, with an infinity pool at the top.
Construction began in 2016, and is scheduled to complete in 2020.
Content and images courtesy of UNStudio.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.