Atkins propels development of Bahrain forward

The installation of the 29 metre diameter turbine blades represents a culmination of over three years of intensive research and development by Atkins architects and engineers in association with Danish partners Ramboll and Norwin.

The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) is a pioneering stride for environmental architecture, the first building in the world to incorporate large scale integrated wind turbines which comprehensive ground tests indicate will generate 11-15% of the energy requirements of the two towers.

Shaun Killa, Head Architect and Design Director and the creative brain behind the Atkins design, believes the research and design for the Bahrain World Trade Center has set the precedent for sustainable architecture around the globe.

'The BWTC is a significant project which showcases a particular technology that's set to become a very important component of sustainable design in the future. It serves as a model for an environmentally-conscious design and helps pave the way for future projects to also integrate energy from wind power. Sustainability is a principal upon which we must build the foundation of all future developments,' he said.

From buildings like the BWTC, to railways to education, Atkins is at the forefront of incorporating sustainable design into the built environment.

'Atkins is spearheading a number of initiatives within the company to raise awareness of sustainability within the psyche of our architects and engineers. This project serves to highlight how with determination and willingness on behalf of responsive clients we can actually turn these ideas into reality,' adds Tim Askew, Regional Managing Director.

The BWTC design blends maritime aesthetics with the functionality of traditional wind-towers. The visually striking sail-shaped towers form a commanding silhouette on the skyline of Manama, and serve to channel the strong on-shore winds directly onto the turbines.

Atkins expertise extended from concept design right through the life of the project, with a diverse team of engineers playing a significant role in achieving this remarkable feat.

'The three wind turbines are horizontally supported between the towers by three bridges weighing a substantial 65-tonnes each,' noted Atkins Senior Project Manager, Simha Lytherao.

On schedule to open this year, the 50 storey, 240m high office complex, which also features a major shopping mall with sky lit courts providing centrepieces of relaxation, is currently going through completion stages with office and retail tenants poised to undertake their own fit-outs.