THE PALM TREE TOWER
A survey of the world's architecture often reveals a close connection between plant life and building from - the same organic cellular organization, the same division into parts and, of course, the same relation to the general environment.
Wherever water is abatable, the desert landscape of the Arab World is dominated by the date palm tree. Throughout Islamic literature and tradition this tree is accorded a particular significance. Not only is the palm tree an important source of food for both men animals, it also provides the material for constructing hussies and furniture as well as fuel for cooking, it even functions as a 'watch-tower' or high point from which to call the faithful to prayer.
Basil Al-Bayati's design for the poorest office tower takes this theme of the palm tree and literally transforms the tree into a gigantic tower, some 175m high. The geometry of the tent like base of the tower, also the remarkable cantilevering leaf like superstructure, are both seven-sided. The tower combines practice functions (telecommunications and shipping guidance), cultural functions (art gallery, museum and general exhibition space) as well as a leisure place. The tower is organized on nine levels. The ground floor with seven entrances is the reception are giving access to the lifts. On the second level is the art life and history of the country. Between the second and third levels is the shipping guidance device. On the third level are services for the restaurant on the fourth level, part of which rotates slowly. The fifth level accommodates the telecommunications equipment, especially the radar discs, while the sixth level has water tanks and the plant. The seventh level contains the electrical and mechanical plant as well as the reception areas for the eight and ninth levels - the night leisure centre and principal tourist attraction. Above rises the radio aerial, restrained at each of the seven points by steel cables.
Throughout the design a complex geometry, based on a seven-sided figure, is manipulated at different levels to create the twisting ribs of the base and also the cluster of 'leaves' above. Symbolising the new technology of the Middle East and the increasing importance of communications, the Post Office tower is also a monument to the most enduring of all trees in the Arab world - the date palm.
George Michell
A survey of the world's architecture often reveals a close connection between plant life and building from - the same organic cellular organization, the same division into parts and, of course, the same relation to the general environment.
Wherever water is abatable, the desert landscape of the Arab World is dominated by the date palm tree. Throughout Islamic literature and tradition this tree is accorded a particular significance. Not only is the palm tree an important source of food for both men animals, it also provides the material for constructing hussies and furniture as well as fuel for cooking, it even functions as a 'watch-tower' or high point from which to call the faithful to prayer.
Basil Al-Bayati's design for the poorest office tower takes this theme of the palm tree and literally transforms the tree into a gigantic tower, some 175m high. The geometry of the tent like base of the tower, also the remarkable cantilevering leaf like superstructure, are both seven-sided. The tower combines practice functions (telecommunications and shipping guidance), cultural functions (art gallery, museum and general exhibition space) as well as a leisure place. The tower is organized on nine levels. The ground floor with seven entrances is the reception are giving access to the lifts. On the second level is the art life and history of the country. Between the second and third levels is the shipping guidance device. On the third level are services for the restaurant on the fourth level, part of which rotates slowly. The fifth level accommodates the telecommunications equipment, especially the radar discs, while the sixth level has water tanks and the plant. The seventh level contains the electrical and mechanical plant as well as the reception areas for the eight and ninth levels - the night leisure centre and principal tourist attraction. Above rises the radio aerial, restrained at each of the seven points by steel cables.
Throughout the design a complex geometry, based on a seven-sided figure, is manipulated at different levels to create the twisting ribs of the base and also the cluster of 'leaves' above. Symbolising the new technology of the Middle East and the increasing importance of communications, the Post Office tower is also a monument to the most enduring of all trees in the Arab world - the date palm.
George Michell
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