Construction Week
KEO said that the tapering octagonal form of the tower comes from the irregular shape of the site in a blend of geometry and sculpture.
Construction work has started on the new Capital Markets Authority (CMA) headquarters in Kuwait designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, in collaboration with KEO International Consultants, with the project being secured through an international design competition.
KEO said that the tapering octagonal form of the tower comes from the irregular shape of the site in a blend of geometry and sculpture. The 46-storey and 240-metre-high tower will become a new landmark for Kuwait City, once complete.
In terms of design, at its base, the façade pulls away from the edge of the building in a twisting, tent-like configuration, which establishes a transitional space between external and internal spaces, providing a protective canopy for visitors. On the other hand, the canopy creates access for vehicles and pedestrians as well as separate VIP entrances and views to landscaped areas.
Meanwhile, the entrance lobby features the polished and sculptural form of the main auditorium with the curved form of the main VIP hall, meeting hall, and diwaniya.
Once complete, the HQ will include offices for 1,000 employees, with the associated amenities, including automated parking, cafeteria, prayer rooms, and private VIP entrance. On its external, the façade provides has three-dimensional fins that reduce extreme sunlight and sand accumulation.
The building aims to achieve LEED v4.0 Silver Certification, upon completion. This will be based on the passive design principles, sustainable engineering systems include low energy consumption light fixtures, water reduction by more than 40%, and advanced energy and water metering to enhance indoor environmental quality while optimising building energy utilisation during operation.
Another unique engineering feature of the building is the fully automated car parking system for 800 vehicles.
Commenting on the project, Mustafa Chehabeddine, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, said: “We used environmental modelling to create a façade that reflects the Capital Markets Authority’s commitment to collaboration, transparency, and innovation, whilst also ensuring a comfortable workplace for the building’s users and high levels of energy efficiency.”
