An unusual and striking icon located in Dubai's prime business district

Work has recently commenced on the construction of the Iris Bay, a 170m high, 32- storey commercial tower situated on the Sheikh Zayed Road at the south west corner of Dubai’s prestigious Business Bay. The innovative Atkins design commissioned by developer Sheth Estate International Ltd is in the form of an ovoid and adds yet a further dimension to the distinctive urban development taking place in this burgeoning CBD. The design comprises two identical double curved pixelated shells which are rotated and cantilevered over the podium. The rear elevation is a continuous vertical curve punctuated by balconies while the front elevation is made up of seven zones of rotated glass. The tower, which will incorporate both passive and active environmental features, sits on a four-storey perforated podium that floats over a double height arcade and houses retail and commercial space totalling 36,000 m².