2 Feb 23 | Archinect

By Nathaniel Bahadursingh

Zero-carbon Forbes International Tower, designed by AS+GG Architecture, proposed for Egypt's new capital

Forbes and Egyptian real estate development company Magnom Properties have announced plans to construct a 55-story zero-carbon commercial tower in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital outside of Cairo. Called the Forbes International Tower, this marks the first time the media giant has branded a commercial tower. Its design is led by Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture.

The partnership was announced on the concluding day of the recent Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, where world leaders and experts discussed the need for sustainable climate solutions in urban development. A Memorandum of Understanding to develop the project was signed by the Group Chairman of Rawabi Holding and Chairman of Magnom Properties, Abdulaziz Al Turki, and Forbes CEO, Mike Federle.

Cities play a critical role in our race to reach net zero and buildings, which are responsible for up to a third of greenhouse gas emissions globally, are a great opportunity to improve urban efficiency and build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities,” commented Al Turki. “A key pillar of Egypt’s ambitious Vision 2030 is Urban Development, and the launch of the Forbes International Tower, primed to achieve a Platinum LEED certification, reflects our vision of setting new standards in sustainability.”

Located in the New Administrative Capital’s Central Business District, the tower aims to elevate standards of green design. According to its development team, it will harness the power of surrounding natural resources and bolster energy performance standards with a solar panel rooftop, fully automated HVAC field devices, and cutting-edge building technology. Biophilic designs will assist in air circulation, bring nature indoors, all to enhance employee well-being.

“The visually striking, beautifully futuristic 'Forbes International Tower,’ by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, is a contextually responsive soaring glass, steel, and photovoltaic-laced design,” said Adrian Smith. “The tower features captivating curves of glass and steel that launch skyward to form 55 floors of flexible office space and two stories of high-end retail experiences.”

The Forbes International Tower will join the under-construction Iconic Tower in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, which topped out in 2021, making it the tallest building in Africa.