Building the Opus

摘要

The Opus project was initiated in 2006. Commissioned by Omniyat, Zaha Hadid Architects developed a design resembling a cube with the core melted out. The 20 story building,-originally offices,was later changed to mixed used-situated in Business Bay, Dubai, UAE, is fully glazed. The outer flat facades are neutral transparent glazed with a silver mirror pattern, while the core area is dark blue 3D formed glazing. To accomplish this vision, several glass processing technologies were studied, selected, specified-and some abandoned after further studies. Challenges included realizing the 3D double curved shape, achieving the color, attaining adequate performance for the Dubai climate, dealing with the radiation focusing effect the geometry imposes, ensuring a seamless visual appearance among the different support systems (roof, wall, soffit), procuring special materials in sufficient quantities in reasonable time and keeping the project affordable. Koltay Facades was involved from the beginning and acted as facade consultant to achieve the project handover at the end of 2015.