MANAMA - 06 MARCH 2007 - The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) today hosted 10 interior design students from Al Ahlia University at the site of the iconic 50-storey twin towers, which have been designed as the Kingdom's first fully mixed-use commercial development. This is one in a number of visits by students of architecture, design and engineering to the BWTC, which represents the highest standards in design and construction excellence. 

The students were briefed by Simha LytheRao, Senior Project Manager, Atkins, who are the Masterplanner, Architect and Engineer of the BWTC project as well as a number of other renowned developments throughout the world and the Middle East, including the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai.

Highlighted during the visit were the BWTC's many unique design features and elements. This included the sail-shaped design concept, overall vision of the project, and the dramatic impact the buildings have already made to the Manama skyline.

Students also gained invaluable first-hand insights about the wind turbine technology that will be in use at the complex. The BWTC buildings will be the first of their kind in the world using wind energy to provide 11 - 15% of the electricity needs of the office towers. Furthermore, the three turbines, which will be mounted on the building's faade, will give the BWTC a truly dramatic design never before seen.

Commenting on the visit, Mr Lytheraosaid, "The BWTC is a unique project in the market in terms of its design ingenuity and we are pleased not only to build awareness of this high-profile project but support the students in their growth. After today's tour and briefing, we hope students have gained a better understanding and appreciation of the architectural and technical expertise involved and that the knowledge they have gained today can be applied in their future projects."

"This is part of BWTC's continued effort to encourage and cooperate with academic organisations to help ensure students from Bahrain and beyond can benefit from the architectural and design experience of the experts of this landmark project and that they can leverage the knowledge imparted to them to create exciting professional lives and enhanced career opportunities."

Students also learned about the highly advanced design of the state-of-art systems that will be employed at the BWTC towers. The buildings are set to become the Kingdom's first intelligent offices, employing the latest SMART systems capable of delivering unsurpassed security and maximum competitive advantages and efficiency in office management

The visit was concluded with a full tour of the complex, which is also comprised of the Kingdom's most exclusive retail shopping centre, MODA Mall, set to house Bahrain's largest offering of luxury retailers in addition to numerous high-end restaurants, casual dining facilities and cafes. 

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© Press Release 2007