Inauguration of the Museum of the Future (22/02/2022).
The Museum of the Future, located in the Financial District of Dubai, is an exhibition space for innovative and futuristic services and products, especially in the field of robotics and AI. The architectural world defines the futuristic shape of the museum as a torus with an elliptical void, but a giant hula hoop might be a more accessible point of reference.
Photo: Image courtesy of the Museum of the Future.
One of the world’s most complex structures, the Museum of the Future was designed by Killa Design architecture studio and engineered by Buro Happold. The torus-shaped shell sits on top of the building and comprises 1,024 fire-retardant composite panels clad in stainless steel, and each of which has a unique 3D shape to create the Arabic script.
A major challenge in the design of the Museum of the Future was the incorporation of the calligraphy windows into the parametrically optimized torus form, inclusive of the avoidance of the steel diagrid structural nodes through the calligraphy, all of which took over a year to design. To overcome the many challenges, the design process required a combination of advanced materials and the latest technologies in 3D modelling software, collaborative design, and parametric construction.
Photo: Image courtesy of the Museum of the Future.
The project adopted numerous innovative design principles regarding construction technologies and materials. This involved, for example, developing parametric design tools with growth algorithms “to digitally optimize the efficiency of the primary structural diagrid, façade, and the glazing elements.”
Likewise, the use of BIM was pivotal during the process, creating a precise digital model with multi-disciplinary collaboration. It was also used to produce all the drawings and for Virtual Reality clash detection, deflection tolerances and onsite real time building sequences.
About the Author:
Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
