Qatar's Architectural Marvel: Lord Norman Foster's Vision for Lusail Towers

Lord Norman Foster, a globally recognized architect, has spent years reshaping the definition of tall buildings. With iconic structures like London's "Gherkin" and the HSBC building in Hong Kong in his portfolio, he now turns his attention to Qatar.

Foster's Lusail Towers, currently nearing completion, are set to reach a height of 301 meters (988 feet), making them Qatar's tallest buildings and surpassing the current record holder, The Torch Doha.

Part of a 1.1 million-square-meter project designed by Foster + Partners, the construction of the towers is a crucial element of the overall masterplan for the city of Lusail, located 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of the capital, Doha.

Breaking ground in January 2020, the Lusail Towers are situated in the midst of various new developments in the area. One notable development is the Lusail Stadium, which was also designed by Foster + Partners for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar’s upcoming 'City of the Future' is set to feature a five-story museum that draws inspiration from Muslim architecture and culture. The museum will add a unique cultural element to the city's modern landscape.

The city will consist of four distinct blocks, with two towers soaring to 70 stories and the other two reaching 50 stories. These towers are designed to function as central points for Qatar's financial institutions, serving as hubs for economic activities in the region.

Foster, an architect, expressed his involvement in cities during their early stages. He mentioned creating a new district and establishing infrastructure for future generations.

Critiquing the urban development process, Foster highlighted the importance of leaving a lasting impact on the cityscape.

Foster's team faced unique challenges posed by Qatar's hot climate, leading them to deviate from the materials typically used in skyscrapers in cooler regions. This departure was part of Foster's ongoing mission to "reinvent the tall building."

Considering the climate in Qatar and the importance of sustainability, Foster emphasized the need to move away from the conventional glass tower design in order to mitigate solar gain and enhance energy efficiency.

The towers' exteriors are coated with "marine-grade" aluminum, which wraps around the buildings to protect the glass from strong sunlight while still allowing natural light to filter through. The design also incorporates advanced shading and ventilation systems to enhance the overall building aesthetics and functionality.

At the heart of the project are special shading fins that resemble gills. These fins not only optimize views and natural lighting for occupants but also significantly reduce solar radiation by 70% when compared to traditional all-glass towers. This innovative feature contributes to a more sustainable and energy-efficient building design.

Aluminum fins, shown in this rendering, shield the interior of the towers from the sun.

Aluminum fins, shown in this rendering, shield the interior of the towers from the sun.

Foster + Partners

Foster stated that the creation of a sense of identity in their designs is rooted in real needs rather than being a trendy imposition. He emphasized that their designs are influenced by the realities of the climate.

This shading system, as stated by Luke Fox, project lead and senior executive partner at Foster + Partners, results in a 35% decrease in cooling needs and total energy usage.

The placement of the towers is carefully planned to provide optimal shading, with their design shifting by 90 degrees as they ascend.

Fox explained that the towers were strategically positioned to rotate slightly, creating an interesting interplay between them as they ascend from the ground. This unique placement gives them a distinct appearance as individual entities.

Foster believes that a city’s skyline reflects what lies beneath the surface, and he considers the integration of the towers into a “low-scale master plan” crucial for Lusail's recognizable landmark status.

The towers are strategically located on top of a metro line and at the end of a commercial boulevard that links the waterfront to the nearby football stadium, which recently hosted the final of AFC Asian Cup.

According to Foster, the plaza's ground features will play a key role in the overall goal of revitalizing the area into a dynamic public space for the future.

Foster pointed out, "What may not be immediately obvious from afar is the pedestrian experience. It is the underlying infrastructure that connects these various elements together."

The Lusail Towers are set to be completed in phases over the next 12 months.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights Lord Norman Foster's remarkable contribution to the architectural landscape of Qatar through the construction of the Lusail Towers. The towers' design showcases Foster's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, with innovative shading fins reducing solar radiation and enhancing energy efficiency. The project is a testament to Foster's vision of creating a sense of identity through architecture that responds to the realities of climate and context.

Foster's approach to urban development focuses on leaving a lasting impact on the cityscape, creating public spaces that foster a vibrant and connected community. The Lusail Towers are strategically positioned to revitalize the area and serve as a landmark of innovation and architectural excellence. The integration of infrastructure and the careful consideration of pedestrian experience demonstrate Foster's holistic approach to architecture, ensuring that the towers not only soar above the skyline but also contribute to the overall livability and well-being of the city.