Moon Tower Rendering during Schematic Design Phase, NEOM City, Saudi Arabia

MOON TOWER

NEOM City, Saudi Arabia, 2023 - ongoing

NEOM selected Choi+Shine Architects to develop six

iconic, high voltage towers to express its vision for the

future and its environmentally and socially sensitive

energy masterplan.

Each design was developed as a family of towers,

conforming to NEOM's guidelines while closely working

with NEOM’s engineering and management teams.

Each design was analyzed for structural and electrical

performance and studied installation, fabrication,

maintenance methods and cost feasibility, to ensure constructibility.

US Pavilion, Geodesic Dome, EXPO ‘67,Montreal,

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HERITAGE AND LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE

The project started with an examination of the cultural

and physical context, Islamic cultural heritage and each

region’s physical characteristics, which often inspired

the sociocultural iconography and symbolism for each

community. The design conveys the understanding of

the physical site, the heritage of the local communities

and project's vision for the sustainable future.

Taking a formal inspiration from the natural element and its transformation, the Moon tower employs the idea of multidimensional self growth; the variations in formal appearance, texture and density with a change of vantage points. Polygonal and pixelated surface relates to the language of technology and Islamic architectural heritage, while light is integrated as a creative element.

The Tomb of Zomorrod Khatun showing muqarnas, honeycomb structure representing celestial body at the entry portal of Islamic architecture.

NIGHT PRESENCE

The design considers tower’s night time presence and multi- functionality.

Integration of lighting allows for the tower to be transformed into a functional light sculpture, preventing bird collision during the migration season.

EARLY SKETCHES AND SITE STUDIES

Elements from geological formation of the site, freestanding sculptural forms, horizontal sediment layers and curvilinear surfaces with porosity inspired the project.

Early sketches showing ideas to incorporate shadow studies,

lattice pattern to relate to the Muqarnas, varying texture with

different vantage points. ©Jin Choi,

Above and right: Photo and sketch from the site study

PERCEPTION OF MULTIPLE

The design considers viewer’s perception of multiple towers in mobility. The project explored the varying sightline and possible formal variations in sequence.

The interplay between translucent structure and crisp shadow patterns from harsh daylight in the area was integrated into the design.

INNOVATION: INTEGRATED INSULATORS

Taking a departure from a conventional approach which considers the transmission towers as a separate entity to merely support the conductors and insulators overhead, MOON tower incorporates insulators as an integral part within the tower.

This innovative and comprehensive approach allows for the

simple and elegant design and engineering solutions. It enhances the sculptural quality of the tower, transforming the infrastructure into monuments in the landscape.

STUDY OF SCALE

Depending on the project parameters and goals, both compact and expansive scale configurations are possible by adjusting the

insulator distribution.

STUDY OF DENSITY

Variations in density and texture in relation to the electrical clearance was studied. The density of the frame can be adjusted for visual, electrical or cost consideration.

Moon Towers located along a new line development in NEOM city. The simulation reflects different terrain conditions and environments along the new line.

Credit: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

STUDY OF TETRAHEDRON STRUCTURE

Variations of geometry to optimize the structural integrity and translucency