This building was designed, whilst at SOM, as Citibank's HQ for the Middle East although it was also designed to be able to be leased to the market. The design follows a few principles of Islamic design, in the form of the entry sequence through a An Iwan gateway then proceeds through a palm court in the back of the building to finally arrive at the oasis lobby. The crescent shape gives the building a very dynamic frontage that is punctuated by a large Mashrabia screen projecting bay window. The sloping roof screens a series of terraces and entertainment spaces on the executive floors.



type : office

area : 10,000 m2

completion : 2001

client : Citibank