While it has not yet been revealed exactly where in the UAE the project will be built, we do know its name; the Marina + Beach Towers, named after its location with the beach on one side and the marina on the other. Made up of two Modernist slabs that curve subtly at the base, the project is simply breathtaking to look at, and, we imagine, even more awe-inspiring to experience. The façade of the project is pretty damn special, too, with a surface that responds to every shift of light while simultaneously shielding those inside from the glare and heat of the hot sun. Eco-aspects include a botanic garden inside the building, a cooling system that makes the best possible use of natural wind and reduces the need for air-conditioning, and methods to reuse the vast amounts of water used throughout the buildings. To be completed by 2012, the building embraces natural resources, responds to the typography of the land and aims to be completely self-sustainable. Other architects, take note; green architecture and gorgeous design can go hand-in-hand.
www.opennoffice.com / Images: Oppenheim