#17 Cityscape
Bahrain’s skyline is dotted with glittering landmarks that give the island an iconic look!
Bahrain World Trade Center
Known as the Kingdom’s first ‘intelligent building’, the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) has set a technological precedent as the first skyscraper in the world to have integrated wind turbines to help reduce power consumption in the building; it can generate up to 15% of the tower’s electricity needs. Architecturally, it is inspired by traditional Arabian wind towers and has become an iconic landmark of Bahrain.
BWTC has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as the Green Building Award by Leaf Awards in 2006, for its excellence in the international architecture, design, and building professions. The Edie Award for Environmental Excellence in 2007, and the Tower Project of the Year Award at the Construction Week Awards in 2008.
BWTC also received the ‘Sustainability Award’ by BEX International Awards in 2008 for sustainability, innovation, efficiency, and collaboration in the built environment; the ‘Best Tall Building Awards’ in the MENA region; the ‘Innovation Nova Award’ by the Construction Innovation Forum (CIF) in 2009 and ‘Best Use of Exterior Lighting’ at the Palme Middle East Awards 2010.
Bahrain Financial Harbour
One of the popular commercial landmarks in the Kingdom, the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), is a mixed-use, master-planned development opposite the commercial heart of Bab Al Bahrain. The 52-story building consists of the Harbour Towers (East and West) as well as the Harbour Gate, which have grown to become the commercial and social hubs of BFH.
The Harbour Towers is said to be the largest single office property in Bahrain with approximately 100,870 sqm of leasable office space in total. Office suites range from 35 sqm to 1,800 sqm on a single floor.
The Harbour Gate aims to create a lively “village square” at its heart with cafes, business support uses, as well as a continual programme of cultural events and entertainment. It houses the Bahrain Stock Exchange and various investment firms.
The Harbour Heights Towers (formerly Villamar) are 3 residential skyscrapers located to the north of the Harbour Towers. The Harbour Row project consists of luxury homes alongside a commercial waterfront promenade.
This article is part of an ongoing series – 51 Great Things About Bahrain as a tribute to the Kingdom’s 51st National Day. Read more in this special edition.