ADIA, Abu Dhabi

ADIA Headquarters The ADIA HQ Building is a complex and prestigious project designed by the London office Kohn Pedersen Fox and located on the cornice in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. In total there are 3 Building Maintenance Systems providing access to the façade envelope including a central core unit concealed in a cavity on the roof of the atrium plus 2 further units traveling along the curved parapet. The parapet mounted units are particularly sophisticated systems designed specifically for this building, and rely on a rope driven hoist to pull the systems up the sloping parapet at an angle of 10o. In conjunction with the slope, the 2 parapet mounted BMU's must also negotiate a sharp curve at the mid point of the inclined track as seen in the photo. Being a compound curve, the machine must have multiple degrees of freedom in order for the chassis to negotiate the corner, together with primary, secondary and tertiary travel brakes and an independent overspeed braking system. All machines are also fitted with glass handling hoists with a 350 kg capacity to assist with façade panel replacement.