The Capital Gate skyscraper is called the Leaning Tower, the object is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the building with the largest tilt angle on Earth – 18 degrees. This is 4.5 times more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. And this is not the only record of the attraction that people come to see from all over the world.
History of creation
ADNEC, which manages the National Exhibition Complex, commissioned the design of the building from the architectural firm RMJM London. The task was set: to build a skyscraper with an inclined shape, which symbolizes the waves of the Persian Gulf and sand vortexes in the desert.
To meet expectations, it was decided to place the first 12 floors vertically, but starting from level 13, each subsequent floor is shifted horizontally relative to the core. This approach creates the impression of a tilt. The construction of the Capital Gate skyscraper was carried out from 2007 to 2011.
Short description
The height of the 35-storey building is 160 meters, it is adjacent to the National Exhibition Center. More than 400 concrete piles are driven into the base of the Capital Gate skyscraper, providing additional strength to the entire structure.
Its base consists of a reinforced "skeleton", 8,500 corner plates. Thus, the load is evenly distributed, and this prevents the tower from falling, making it safe to stay in the skyscraper. The high-rise looks like a sand dune, the undulating canopy repeats the movement of the sea wave, and this distinguishes the object from other buildings located in the area.
A new record
The Capital Gate skyscraper is recognized as the first building in the Middle East that uses diagonal grid technology. It has more than 700 diamond-shaped glass panels. The total number of glasses in the tower is estimated at about 12 and a half thousand, which helps to reduce the cost of lighting the building and block the sun's rays.
The wave-shaped decoration provides protection from heat. The designers took into account that the sun in the UAE capital shines all year round, the weather is mostly hot here, which is characterized by a desert climate.
What's inside
The name of the Capital Gate skyscraper translates as "gates of the capital". The 5-star Hyatt at Capital Gate Hotel, offices, and office space are open here. Thanks to the thoughtful design, the electricity consumption is minimal. Due to the fully glass facade and innovative double-glazed windows, you can save on air conditioners and not experience discomfort in hot weather.
One of the most significant additional infrastructure solutions is a helipad, a SPA area and a swimming pool with panoramic views. In 2010, the skyscraper was added to the Guinness Book of World Records for its unusual appearance, and this made the place more recognizable. Tourists often come here to look at the business card of the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
How to get
To see the Capital Gate skyscraper, it is necessary to come to the Al-Rauda district and focus on the National Exhibition Center, which is located next to the skyscraper. There is a bus from Abu Dhabi – Public Garden station on the Abu Dhabi - Capital Gate route. It runs every half hour, the trip lasts about 20 minutes.
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