Al Hamra Firdous Tower

Al Kuwayt, Kuwait

Photo © Ajith Gopinathan

Photo © Savio Dsouza

Photo © Hall + Merrick

Office Buildings

Lighting Designers: OFFICE FOR VISUAL INTERACTION, INC. (OVI)

Location: Al Shuhada Street, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait
Year: 2011

Standing 412 m (135’) high, the Al Hamra Firdous Tower is the
tallest skyscraper in Kuwait City and the world’s highest sculpted
building. Carefully configured interior and exterior lighting emphasizes
the structure’s unique architectural identity. Lighting enhances its
landmark presence as a dramatic focal point, visible throughout the city
and from the Arabian Gulf.
The tower’s fully glazed façades resolve into a pair of ribbon-like
concrete veils to the south, providing protection against the harsh
desert sun. The brilliantly-lit ribbons of concrete form a striking
contrast and give the twisting tower a spectacular skyline presence.
Variations in brightness are used to articulate the curvilinear forms.
A controlled gradation of illumination highlights the interior surface of
the flared veils, drawing the eye up to the tower’s apex.