Carefully configured lighting supports the Al Hamra Fidrous Tower’s unique architectural identity, enhancing its landmark presence as the tallest skyscraper in Kuwait City and the world’s highest sculpted tower.
From the exterior, variations in brightness articulate the structure’s curvilinear forms at night. Bursts of illumination highlight the interior of the flared concrete veils, drawing the eye up to the structure’s delicate tip. Within, arched vaults and screens crown a soaring lobby. The visual layering of this architectural feature is intensified by a combination of lighting techniques – with metal halide downlights, floor-embedded uplights, and small uplights above the screen.
A crucial task was establishing a balance between allowing natural light to enter the office towers and shielding against excessive heat gain from the desert sun. Daylighting studies were carried out to verify light levels and glass fritting patterns.
Client: Al Hamra Real Estate with Ajial Real Estate
Design Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Graphics: OVI
