Renowned architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled plans for Symphony Tower, a striking 42-story mixed-use building in Dubai that will showcase an innovative exoskeleton design inspired by traditional Emirati metallic thread weaving crafts. The tower, commissioned by Dubai-based developer Imtiaz Developments, will be located near the city's prestigious Design District and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2029.
The building's distinctive structure consists of a 34-story main tower positioned above a six-story podium, with two additional basement levels. The tower will house approximately 300 residential apartments across 25 floors, positioned above eight levels dedicated to office space. The ground-floor podium will feature separate residential and office lobbies, along with retail spaces to serve both tenants and the surrounding community.
The centerpiece of the design is the culturally-inspired exoskeleton, which serves both structural and environmental functions. According to ZHA, this external framework will provide crucial shading for the building's facades, significantly reducing solar heat gain while creating comfortable outdoor living areas for residents. Project Director Paola Cattarin explained that the tower's varied external spaces are achieved through a combination of sections that protrude beyond the exoskeleton and glazed facade areas that are recessed within the structure, creating generous outdoor living spaces while improving the building's overall efficiency.
Sustainability features prominently in the tower's design, with modular construction methods utilizing recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, and responsibly sourced finishes to minimize the building's embodied carbon footprint. The tower will incorporate photovoltaic panels connected to battery systems to power the building's lighting infrastructure. Water conservation measures include greywater recycling systems, low-flow fixtures throughout the building, and drought-tolerant landscaping that requires minimal irrigation.
Residents and office workers will have access to an extensive array of amenities, including an outdoor gymnasium and gaming area, a dedicated yoga studio, a library for quiet work and study, and an observatory deck offering panoramic views of Dubai's skyline. These facilities are designed to foster community interaction while providing diverse recreational and wellness options.
This project represents the latest in ZHA's series of exoskeleton-supported buildings, following successful completions of similar structures. The firm previously completed the 42-story Morpheus Hotel in Macau in 2018, which utilized an exoskeleton as its primary structural system. Additionally, ZHA's design for One Thousand Museum, a 62-story residential tower in Miami completed in 2020, also features exoskeleton support, demonstrating the firm's expertise in this innovative structural approach.
The comprehensive project team includes Principal Patrik Schumacher leading the ZHA team, with Project Director Paola Cattarin overseeing development. The extensive design team comprises Project Associate Director Daniel Fiser, Project Architect Maria Echeverri, and numerous specialists in BIM technology, environmental sustainability, and building systems. Executive architecture, structural engineering, MEP services, environmental consulting, and fire engineering will be handled by AE7, with facade engineering by Tomas Bell-Wright and renderings by Bloomimages. The project represents a significant addition to Dubai's evolving skyline and demonstrates the continued integration of traditional cultural elements with cutting-edge sustainable architecture.
