O-14
Reiser + Umemoto

Image courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

As of June 2008, the first five floors and exterior shell of O-14 have been cast, revealing the beginnings of the perforated concrete shell exoskeleton which, when finished, will surround the building in a lace-like veil.

O-14 is a twenty-two story tall commercial tower perched on a two-story podium in the heart of Dubai's Business Bay.

Located along the extension of Dubai Creek O-14 occupies a prominent location on the waterfront esplanade.

The design of O-14 fundamentally shifts away from the architectural norm in current Dubai towers by eliminating the now obligatory curtain wall solutions and above ground parking, in favor of a shade-producing, concrete load-bearing shell and an open public space at the tower base achieved through below ground parking.

Image courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Image courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Image courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Image courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Even the steel reinforcement is fascinating as it must be woven together as if on a great loom.

/Jesse Reiser, Principal

Image courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Image courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Super-liquid concrete is cast around this fine meshwork resulting in an elegant perforated exterior shell. The holes are achieved by introducing computer numerically cut polystyrene void forms into the rebar matrix, and sided with modular steel slip forms prior to the concrete pour.

The concrete shell of O-14 provides an efficient structure that frees the core from the burden of lateral forces and creates highly efficient, column-free open spaces in the building's interior.


Photo courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Photo courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Photo courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Photo courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

Photo courtesy Reiser + Umemoto

The shell is not only the structure of the building as it acts on the interiors as a sunscreen open to light, air, and views. The openings on the shell are modulated depending on structural requirements, views, sun exposure, and luminosity. A space nearly one meter deep between the shell and the main enclosure creates a so-called "chimney effect," a phenomenon whereby hot air has room to rise and effectively cools the surface of the glass windows behind the perforated shell.

This passive solar technique essentially contributes to a natural component to the cooling system for O-14, thus reducing energy consumption and costs, just one of many innovative aspects of the building's design.


Rendering courtesy Reiser + UmemotoElevations

Rendering courtesy Reiser + UmemotoThird Level Plan with Terrace


Rendering courtesy Reiser + UmemotoTwentieth Floor Plan


Rendering courtesy Reiser + UmemotoSection

In addition to office tenants the building will contain upscale retail spaces at ground level as well as an elevated podium restaurant with spectacular views of Dubai Creek and the rest of the neighboring Dubai skyline.