UK studio Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed photos of the Central Bank of Iraq skyscraper nearing completion on the banks of the Tigris in Baghdad.
The images show the completed twisting exoskeleton frame of the 170-metre-tall structure designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, which is now the tallest building in the city.
The Central Bank of Iraq is nearing completion in Baghdad
Being built on the banks of the Tigris river, the reinforced concrete skyscraper has a narrow base, widens slightly at the middle before tapering inwards at the top. It is set back from the river on top of a large podium that occupies an entire city block.
The building's facade is framed by a structural exoskeleton composed of ripples that form patterns of open and closed elements. The structure was designed to "mimic the light reflecting from waves" on the adjacent river while shading the glazing. A rippled exoskeleton frames the structure
According to the studio, the bank will feature a grand atrium that will draw natural light into the building as well as open up the space towards the river. Additionally, openings at the building's wider middle levels will have views across the city.
The building's podium base features a similarly dynamic design to the tower and will contain a series of landscaped terraces and gardens that aim to engage the building with its surrounding context.

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