Utopia One: Dubai Tall Emblem Structure

via Designboom - Weblog on 5/25/09

'utopia one', base  by cesar bobonis-zequeira, ivan perez-rossello and teresita del valle
all images courtesy ivan perez-rossello

cesar bobonis-zequeira, ivan perez-rossello and teresita del valle designed 'utopia one'
for the dubai tall emblem structure competition in zaabeel park.

the tower and its elements are composed of materials that resemble a smooth 
sculptural piece that are integrated into the park. the base behaves as a single unit 
housing the programmed spaces, entry areas and existing walkways. form creates 
a courtyard intended for gatherings and general leisure.  conceptually, the structure 
reacts to the gravitational forces that act upon it self and gives the allusion of hovering
above the ground. the tower grows from the base element becoming an extension of 
the sculpture giving way to the observation deck.  the elevator is constructed of glass 
all around and encased inside a shaft with a glass exterior to permit views to the outside 
as one rises.  the observation deck (oculus platform) is formed by a ring that supports
a glass floor intended to give the sensation of flight.

nano-cell technology will be integrated to the exterior skin of the building, providing 
a portion of the energy to run the elevator systems, hvac systems and electrical systems.
nano-cell technology is a thin photovoltaic film bonded to metal surfaces.  heat sensitive 
glass reacts to the sun’s position and controls the heat gain in the glassed surfaces.  
water management features will reuse grey water for irrigation and provide water for 
the hvac systems.


'utopia one', base 


'utopia one' tower


'utopia one' power, through nano technology


inside the viewing platform


bird's eye view of 'utopia one'