Away Tower
Team
Design Team:
_Carlos Gris / Claudia Rivera
Our observatory is composed to blend itself in to the surrounding Al Wathba wetlands. Whilst understated, it aspires to become an iconic structure for the region. It is wrapped in grey larch tiles that are designed to prevent hard edges to the structure and thereby soften its presence within the landscape. These tiles also pay homage to the delicate form of the flamingo, as they duplicate around the structure it replicates a bird taking flight, providing a lightness and pulling the observer gaze out on to the wetlands. To compliment the cylindrical body is a ‘Reed Tip’ at the pinnacle. The tip is wrapped with mirrored glass which will act as a beacon for the tower. It glimmers as it reflects the sky to people approaching the tower and it also acts as a periscope experience for visitors within the observatory.