The new headquarters of the National Bank of Kuwait, designed by Foster+Partners, has been completed. This 300-meter tall skyscraper stands prominently within Kuwait’s rapidly evolving financial district. The tower consolidates all bank employees under one roof, fostering collaboration and enhancing workplace satisfaction.
The design seamlessly integrates environmental consciousness with structural innovation, resulting in an energy-efficient passive building. Its distinctive architecture shields the office spaces from Kuwait’s harsh climate, ensuring comfort and sustainability.
The building’s north-facing curved façade offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Concrete fins, aligned with the sun’s path, run the length of the tower’s façade, providing both structural support and sun shading.
Inside, the floor slabs feature a gradient design on their undersides to maximize upper-floor space and provide natural shading to the offices below through suspended structures. This design reduces water consumption, lowers energy use, and improves indoor air quality by blending passive and active environmental strategies.
The tower’s unique shape creates a spacious top platform that offers breathtaking 360-degree views. The 63 floors include sky lobbies that serve as gathering and meeting spaces for employees.
At ground level, an 18-meter-high hall welcomes staff and visitors. Amenities include a double-decker restaurant on the 18th floor, a state-of-the-art gym on the 19th floor, and a banquet hall and auditorium on the 38th floor, all designed to showcase panoramic views of the bay and city.
These public areas complement the Chairman’s Club at the top, featuring a distinctive curved skylight that forms a striking arc within the space.
The innovative dual elevator system reduces the size of the building’s core, increasing the usable floor area. The interior design includes custom furniture and lighting.
Notably, the boardroom features a blown glass chandelier created by Foster+Partners’ industrial design team. This elegant cluster hangs above the 13-meter-long conference table, resembling a cloud formation.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ First floor plan
△ 18th floor plan
△ Conventional floor plan
△ 38th floor plan
△ 48th floor plan
△ 59th floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Elevation drawing
Project Information
Architectural Design: Foster+Partners
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Nigel Young
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