City Sand Tower: A Vertical City in the DesertTransforming Extreme Climate into Energy and Freshness
In this flat expanse, it is difficult to understand the tower at first glance. At this distance, it seems to be a rock. Approaching, the landscape widens and the climate softens through the shadows projected on the ground. One enters into a maze of streets that recall the eastern souks. At the corner of an alley, one becomes aware of the presence of the tower. It seems huge, but a reassuring immensity is welcoming. One enters naturally, at the threshold a water basin brings freshness and reflects an atrium. Looking up, there is an inner tower covered with vegetation that seems to have grown inside the first one! It now seems huge, but a reassuring immensity welcoming.
City Sand Tower, designed by Manal Rachdi, is not just a standard tower; it is a vertical city that forms a landmark in the Sahara desert. This innovative design creates a new way of life by transforming the extreme characteristics of the desert climate into a source of energy and freshness. With its unique features, City Sand Tower stands out as a fully autonomous and self-sufficient structure, housing a vertical ecosystem that enhances its independence.
The tower encompasses a range of functions, including a hotel, housing, shops, restaurants, a meteorological observatory, a museum of the desert, and offices. It offers a comprehensive experience, providing residents and visitors with everything they need within its vertical cityscape.
With a surface area of 780,000 square meters and a height of 450 meters, City Sand Tower dominates the desert landscape. Its imposing presence is complemented by its integration with the environment. The tower's design takes inspiration from the local souks, creating a maze of streets that lead to the entrance. Upon entering, a water basin greets visitors, providing a refreshing oasis and reflecting an atrium.
One of the most striking features of City Sand Tower is the inner tower covered with vegetation. It gives the impression of a second tower growing within the first, adding to the overall grandeur and creating a unique visual experience. This inner vertical ecosystem not only enhances the tower's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its self-sufficiency and sustainability.
City Sand Tower has garnered recognition and acclaim for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017 in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. City Sand Tower stands as a testament to the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings while contributing to a better world.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Manal Rachdi
Image Credits: #1: Architects: Manal Rachdi Oxo Architectes & laisne roussel
#2: Architects: Manal Rachdi Oxo Architectes & laisne roussel
#3: Architects: Manal Rachdi Oxo Architectes & laisne roussel
#4: Architects: Manal Rachdi Oxo Architectes & laisne roussel
#5: Architects: Manal Rachdi Oxo Architectes & laisne roussel
Project Team Members: Manal Rachdi Oxo Architectes
laisne roussel
Project Name: CITY SAND TOWER
Project Client: Manal Rachdi