Organic Exoskeleton

Palm International Hotel and Tower
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Walter P Moore provided structural engineering services for the schematic phase of this signature 46-story mixed-use tower planned for a highly visible site on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island. Walter P Moore's solution featured a highly-efficient exposed exoskeleton to support the tower, which was designed to evoke four palm leaves.

Palm International Hotel and Tower was planned as a 2.9 million square foot tower to be built midway up the canal that runs the length of the truck of the tree-shaped island. The residential tower would have provided stunning views of the Persian Gulf, with commercial and retail space at the lower levels on the water's edge. Underground parking for 1,260 vehicles was planned.

Walter P Moore collaborated with the architect to create the structural exoskeleton which provided a cost-effective support structure for the curved tower and column-free residential units at all levels. The steel pipe exoskeleton was infilled with gold glass curtain wall to create an architecturally-stunning façade. Post-tensioned concrete floors were arranged to allow a soaring 40-story interior atrium, lit by a rooftop domed skylight that could be automatically opened to the sky. A monorail station at the lobby level provided easy connection for hotel guests.

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