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National Bank of Abu Dhabi
This case study is without a doubt one of my favourites for many reasons. Despite it from being another stagnant building I feel that it responds effectively to its surrounding environment, from the sky to particular movement that can be defined along its neighbouring pathways. Such achievements can be clearly identified from the aid of its distinctive exterior materials and the unique composition of the buildings structure, ultimately showing that the design team had a very high interest in acknowledging external human presence and other urban elements.

The facade is made up of polished black stone (likely to be imported marble or granite) and predominantly glass which is faintly tinted.

Either from a fair distance or in close proximity one can see the complete transprancy of the buildings upper levels, giving off an impression that the building isnt even there to an extent. It immediately appears to merge into what is behind the structure itself (sky) or even what is in front of it (other buildings) due to the reflection it emits because of the facing sun. At the top of the building, the composition starts to skew into and then away from each other (glass and polished stone) forming peaks which provide an attractive contrast in texture and colour. At the base of the building, an inward sloping face/facade is most prominant, reflecting practically everything that is in front of it due to its polished surface and acute gradient which essentially informs people of what there is to expect when approaching the building from far away. Through this, because the gradient remains stationary, elements which can be seen vary considerably on the location of the viewer in relation to this mirror effect. Ultimately making those who view this mirror effect closer up see elements that are closer to the building.

An illustrated cross section diagram will be uploaded soon in order to convey this point clearer.