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Pride of a nation

07.06.2021 | Iraq
Commissioned as an embodiment of new beginnings, Doka Turkey was selected to work on this Zaha Hadid-designed masterpiece, which will soon adorn the Baghdad skyline as the headquarters of the new Central Bank of Iraq.

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  • Iraq Central Bank
  • Iraq Central Bank
  • Iraq Central Bank
  • Iraq Central Bank
  • Iraq Central Bank
  • Iraq Central Bank
  • Iraq Central Bank
“Rising from the sloping banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad, the design for the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) conveys the core values at the heart of the institution: Solidity, Stability and Sustainability.” This synopsis, as quoted from the Zaha Hadid Architects page would explain why its designer felt such pride in its creation. As an Iraqi British citizen, Zaha Hadid lived to see her country of birth go through several transformations before being offered the opportunity to design its Central Bank headquarters, which was officially signed off at a ceremony at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum in 2012. Speaking at the event, Zaha said: “I am deeply touched that I have been asked to design the new headquarters for the Central Bank of Iraq. I was born in Iraq and I still feel very close to it. I feel very privileged to be working in Iraq on a design of such national importance.”

First revealed in 2011, the 170-metre tower was designed to maximise the space of its plot, which is why the building tapers from a narrow base to a wider middle, in tangent with a reducing, structural exoskeleton that steadily allows more light towards the higher floors. With constant references to the importance of the Tigris and its role in shaping the country’s trade, the bank’s podium level mixes hard and soft landscaping with its alternating exoskeleton, allowing light to dapple the interiors, mimicking the light as reflected from the river.

Working with Daax Construction, Doka Turkey was hired to provide a formwork solution for this highly challenging project, which included a total construction area of 93,552 m2. Due to the omnidirectional nature of the curtain wall, Doka’s team were required to find a solution for what one engineer referred to as “one of the most difficult reinforced concrete structures in the world.” By starting with a BIM design, Doka’s team created a custom Top 50 formwork with specially made 3D timbers for the outer walls, allowing the system to work with the variable heights and shapes of the curved and inclined structure. For the main shaft wall of the tower block, a hydraulic climbing system was used in order to maximise time, while adaptable slab formwork was employed to manage the amorphous shape of the building.

Speaking on behalf of the client, Güven Saraçoglu, project manager, commented; “With its unusual shape, our team considered this a particularly challenging project in terms of finding the right formwork solution. Thanks to the engineering design and support received by Doka, the project cycle worked very efficiently - as a result, we are now very close to completing our activities.”

As with each of Doka’s projects, safety was adhered to according to European Standards, on-site training was provided and certifications issued, and the operational services were all delivered on time. While challenging, the client was 100% satisfied with the work delivered and as such, both companies have been able to contribute their part towards leaving an enduring legacy for one of Iraq’s most revered talents.

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