Standing 1350 ft high, Al Hamra Fidrous is the tallest skyscraper in Kuwait City and the world’s highest
sculpted tower. Carefully configured exterior and interior lighting supports the structure’s unique architectural identity,
enhancing its landmark presence.
The tower’s fully-glazed north, west, and east facades resolve into a pair of ribbon-like concrete veils to the south,
providing protection against the harsh desert sun. At night, variations in brightness are used to articulate the curvilinear
forms. Bursts of illumination highlight the interior of the flared veils, drawing the eye up to the tower’s delicate tip.
Inside, a soaring eight-storey high lobby welcomes tenants. Articulated arched vaults and screens recalling woven Arabic
motifs crown the space. A combination of lighting techniques – with metal halide downlights, floor-embedded uplights, and
small uplights above the screen - intensify the visual layering of this architectural feature.
Because of the hot climate, a crucial task was establishing a balance between allowing natural light to enter the office
towers and shielding against excessive solar heat gain. Daylighting studies were carried out to verify light levels and
advise on glass fritting patterns.
