Bangladesh is the second-largest economy in South Asia and one of the fastest in the world. In the wake of this rapid economic growth, Bangladesh’s capital is changing quickly. The latest addition is OMA’s 150-meter-tall Dhaka Tower, located in a new commercial district at the edge of Tejgaon, which was once an industrial hub but is now home to numerous local and multinational corporations. Offering a total of 180,000 square meters of office space, the project was led by OMA Partner Iyad Alsaka and developed by Dhaka-based real estate developer Shanta Holdings.
The tower is shaped by simple extruded, abstracted shapes with two triangular floor plates connected by a rectangular core with panoramic lifts overlooking the lake. The configuration allows for extensive views and natural daylight, controlled through the building’s orientation and a façade of fritted glass.
Meanwhile, the base is pyramidal in form, allowing for soaring atriums with direct connection to landscaped exterior spaces. The base includes an exhibition space extending to a maximum height of 40 meters. On the top level of the building, a restaurant offers interior and exterior seating. Adjacent to this, a publicly accessible two-tier observation deck provides expansive views of the metropolis.
Retail and dining spaces flank the triple-height lobbies, which double as venues for banquet dinners and presentations. A bespoke pattern inspired by Dhaka’s waterscape forms the backdrop of both atriums.
OMA Partner Iyad Alsaka commented that the design for Dhaka Tower is inspired by the spirit of Bangladesh’s thriving economy. “Its shape expresses the aspirations of a dynamic nation, making a bold statement on the city’s skyline.”
