© Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
Curated by Archirev Editorial | Feature Story | Published Nov 21st 2025
Source: Zaha Hadid Architects
Project typology: RESIDENTIAL HIGH-RISE
Project name: Symphony Tower
Location: Horizon District, Dubai, UAE
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Design Lead: Patrik Schumacher
Project Directors: Paola Cattarin
Size/Height: 42-storey residential tower (area not specified in press material)
Client: Imtiaz Developments
Status: Design Stage
Primary Systems: Precision-engineered structural exoskeleton; outdoor living terrace system integrated within exoskeleton
Sustainability Strategies: PV-powered illumination, recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, greywater recycling, Low-flow water fixtures, Drought-tolerant landscaping
Photography / Renders: © Zaha Hadid Architects / Bloomimages
Taking its name to heart, Zaha Hadid Architects has introduced Symphony Tower, a new residential tower rising in Dubai’s emerging Horizon district. Designed for Imtiaz Developments, the building is situated between two defining landscapes: the Meydan Racecourse to the west and the Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve to the east, a protected wetland home to thousands of migratory birds, including the region’s iconic pink flamingos. This position, between ecological sensitivity and urban development, sets the tone for the tower’s architectural approach.
Exterior perspective of Symphony Tower with exoskeleton façade. © Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
A Contemporary Interpretation of Emirati Weaving Traditions
The Symphony Tower’s identity is shaped by Al Sadu and Talli, two traditional Emirati weaving forms known for their geometric patterns and fine-thread detailing. Rather than using literal motifs, Zaha Hadid Architects reimagines these patterns as a three-dimensional structural exoskeleton.
The result is a façade that feels woven rather than assembled. Its lattice-like pattern changes in perceived depth throughout the day as sunlight moves across the tower’s surface. At the scale of the skyline, the tower becomes a textured vertical figure; at the scale of the pedestrian, it reveals a series of shifting lines, shadows, and patterns.
Close-up of the exoskeleton and terrace structure. © Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
Outdoor Living Integrated into the Vertical Structure
A key feature of Symphony Tower is its integration of outdoor living spaces. Each apartment connects to a private terrace shaped and shaded by the exoskeleton’s geometry. These terraces soften the transition between interior spaces and Dubai’s warm climate, offering usable outdoor zones throughout much of the year.
The terraces frame views of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Design District, or the Ras Al Khor wetlands, creating a mix of urban and natural landscapes. In contrast to many high-rise residences that rely heavily on enclosed environments, Symphony Tower incorporates outdoor life directly into its structural system.
Close-up of the exoskeleton showing private terraces. © Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
Interior rendering showing private terraces. © Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
A Climate Responsive Architectural System
The exoskeleton is both an expressive architectural gesture and a functional environmental strategy. The structure reduces solar gain by shading façades and terraces, which decreases dependence on mechanical cooling.
The tower’s sustainability features include:
- Photovoltaic panels powering nighttime lighting
- Recycled steel used in the exoskeleton
- Low-carbon concrete reducing embodied emissions
- Greywater recycling for irrigation
- Low-flow fixtures to reduce water use
- Drought-tolerant landscaping aligned with regional water conditions
These systems help lower operating energy demands and support Dubai’s broader sustainability goals for new districts and developments.
Aerial view of the exoskeleton and the neighborhood. © Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
A District Connecting Culture, Nature, and Creative Industries
The Horizon district is positioned near several cultural and commercial hubs, including the Dubai Design District and Downtown Dubai. A planned extension of the Dubai Metro will further connect the area to the city’s broader transit network.
Symphony Tower’s location offers a dual orientation: one side faces Dubai’s cultural and commercial centers, while the other opens onto the ecological landscape of Ras Al Khor. This duality, city and nature, skyline and wetland, shapes the tower’s character and differentiates it from other residential developments in the area.
Daylight render of the exoskeleton. © Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
A Landmark That Blends Structure, Craft, and Climate
Symphony Tower showcases a growing direction in Dubai’s architecture: the integration of cultural references with climate-responsive design. Its exoskeleton serves as structure, shading, ornament, and identity all at once. When illuminated at night by solar-powered lighting, the tower takes on a warm glow reminiscent of metallic threads woven into traditional Talli embroidery.
By merging craft traditions with contemporary engineering, the project demonstrates how high-rise design in the region can evolve, being rooted in local culture yet technically adaptable to environmental realities.
The Symphony. © Zaha Hadid Architects/rendering by Bloomimages
Project Credits
Project: Symphony Tower, Dubai
Client: Imtiaz Developments
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
ZHA Principal: Patrik Schumacher
Project Director: Paola Cattarin
Associate Director: Daniel Fiser
Project Architect: Maria Echeverri
Project Team: Ashwanth Govindaraji, Alexandra Fisher, Yiying Wu, Berke Gundogdu, Omar Kaddourah, Ryan Anthony Szanyi, Prasanna Balan, Maddona Kalra, Daniel Coley, Ripple Patel
BIM Team: David Fogliano, Mark Winnington, Ninad Katdare
Environmental & Sustainability Team: Carlos Bausa Martinez, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Shibani Choudhury, Aleksander Mastalski, Aditya Ambare, Abhilash Menon
Consultants:
- Executive Architect / Structural / MEP / Fire / Lighting / Landscape: AE7
- Façade Engineering: Tomas Bell-Wright
Renderings: Bloomimages