The BWTC’s structure is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Persian Gulf: winds up to 160 km/h, high temperatures, and seismic risk. With two 50‑story twin towers and a total floor area of 98,000 m², the project uses high‑strength steel framing combined with a reinforced‑concrete central core to ensure durability and flexibility [2]. Each tower has a curved form inspired by the traditional Arab dhow sail—about 40 meters wide at the base and tapering upward—creating aesthetic symmetry while reducing wind drag.
The most notable feature is the system of three wind turbines (each rated at 225 kW, totaling 675 kW) integrated between the two towers via “skybridges” at elevations of 140–200 meters. These turbines are not add‑ons but inseparable components of the structure: they are suspended from H‑shaped steel frames, with blades 15 meters long and a rotor diameter of 29 meters, and were optimized using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to refine airflow [3]. The concrete foundations extend 30 meters into limestone to prevent settlement, while double‑glazed units with low‑E coatings reduce solar heat gain by up to 30%, helping the building save cooling energy—critical in a desert climate.
Safety systems are also a high priority: elevators run at 6 m/s, there is an automatic sprinkler fire‑suppression system, and exit routes meet international standards.
As a result, BWTC achieved LEED Silver certification, demonstrating that its structure is not only robust but also environmentally friendly [2]. This combination is compelling both technically and inspirationally: BWTC proves that high‑rise buildings can “live” in harmony with nature rather than fighting it.
The BWTC’s design—led by Atkins (UK) and RSP Architects (Singapore)—revolves around three pillars: environmental sustainability, integrated technology, and cultural aesthetics [4].
First, sustainability is embodied in harnessing natural wind energy—an abundant resource in Bahrain, where average wind speeds are 5–7 m/s. The towers’ curved forms create a Venturi effect, accelerating wind speed by about 40% as air flows through the 100‑meter gap between the towers, allowing the turbines to spin efficiently without auxiliary energy [3]. The result? The turbines supply 11–15% of the building’s electricity demand (about 1.2 GWh/year), reducing CO₂ emissions and dependence on fossil fuels—a major step forward as the Middle East transitions its energy systems.
From a technology standpoint, the design used 3D modeling and wind‑tunnel testing to anticipate vibration and turbulence, ensuring stable turbine operation [5]. A rainwater‑harvesting and reuse system for irrigation further supports resource efficiency, helping the building reduce energy consumption by 30–40% compared with comparable projects. These aspects are not merely academic; they are practically persuasive: BWTC has inspired projects such as Masdar City in the UAE, proving that sustainable design can deliver long‑term economic benefits.
Wind‑speed streamlines around the three elevation zones (low, medium, and high) of the wind turbines
Finally, the aesthetic principle draws on Bahrain’s maritime heritage, with the sail‑like form symbolizing prosperity and the flow of commerce. The skybridges not only support the turbines but also create interconnected office spaces with panoramic views of the Persian Gulf, turning the building into a cultural icon [4]. The 2008 CTBUH award for “Best Tall Building in the Middle East” affirms this value, emphasizing that BWTC’s design seamlessly blends tradition and modernity [2].
The Bahrain World Trade Center is not only a masterpiece of structure and design; it is also a call to action for architects worldwide. By integrating wind turbines into the structural core, BWTC demonstrates that sustainability is not a burden but an opportunity for creativity—lowering operating costs and elevating cultural value. As cities grapple with energy crises, this model urges us to rethink the role of architecture: not only to shelter, but also to nurture. If you are an architecture student or designer, BWTC is a case study worth exploring—a powerful proof that innovation can reshape the urban fabric.
[1]. Bahrain World Trade Center. (n.d.). Architecture. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://www.bahrainwtc.com/the-bwtc/architecture/
[2]. Chaudhry, H.N.; Calutit, J.K.; Hughes, B.R. Numerical Analysis of the integration of Wind Turbines into the Design of the Built Envirinment. Am. J. Eng. Appl. Sci. 2014, 7, 355–365. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
[3]. Smith, R.; Killa, S. Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC): The First Large-Scale Integration of Wind Turbines in a Building. Struct. Des. Tall Spec. Build. 2007, 16, 429–439. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
[4]. Alnaser, N.W. Towards Sustainable Buildings in Bahrain, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. Open Constr. Build. Technol. J. 2008, 2, 30–45. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
[5]. Smith, R.; Killa, S. Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC): The First Large-Scale Integration of Wind Turbines in a Building. Struct. Des. Tall Spec. Build. 2007, 16, 429–439. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
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