WWF architects designs chameleon biomimetic mixed-use office building

WWF architects designs chameleon biomimetic mixed-use office building
all images courtesy of WWF architects

the ‘chameleon’ is a prize-winning competition proposal for a mixed-use office building by dubai-based wanders werner falasi consulting architects. the design was developed after a thorough site analysis, and is predominately concerned with principles of bio-mimicry. for example, the hexagonal shapes that dominate the façades are derived from cell structures. the office also draws from, as you may have guessed, the chameleon and its highly-adaptable skin.

‘chameleon’ and front plaza 

the latter has several connections to building elements, including nighttime LED illumination and integrated thermo-regulation. climate control is accomplished through smart façade units — i.e. the hexagons — which mechanically adapt to the sun’s trajectory. when receiving too much heat, each component closes to seal the structure. likewise, when too cold, or dark, they open.

daytime and multiple night illumination patterns 

the office has fixed PV nano cells located in portions of exterior walls that collect sunlight throughout the day. energy that isn’t expended for the building’s daytime needs is used to illuminate thousands of LEDs at night. this is regarded as a mirror of the structure’s dynamic inner activity, the animal itself, and on a more conceptual level, the collective, constantly changing mood of its inhabitants. 

the mixed-used building includes several terraces, green space and walls, and interior planters

ground floor lobby 

a central staircase allows access to every floor in the structure 

green terrace space 

sample office environment  

the ‘chameleon’s’ open plan can be utilized in different configurations to adjust to various requirements

concept & assembly diagrams

the façade’s colors are conceptually tied to the moods of inhabitants’ 

section 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom