How does the form of the building affect its structural system?
The form of the building is not the optimum choice for maximizing the interior space. In an effort to increase the useable space an exoskeleton was incorporated in the structure. Diagonal steel trusses were used to transfer lateral loads throughout the exoskeleton. Similar to a dhow, most of the loads appear to be transferred to a central spine and then into the ground. The arched façade called for diagonal bracing across the “V” shaped walls. In addition, the structure is held in place by 250 bored piles. Using “skin friction” alone, the concrete piles are “glued” to the sand around them. Also, a honeycomb layout of concrete tubes surrounds the island to resist the loads of the Arabian ocean. Ultimately, such a unique structure called for innovative engineering of the structural systems.