Central Bank of Iraq Skyscraper by Zaha Hadid
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) headquarters is a new landmark on the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, and Patrick Schumacher, the CBI was commissioned in 2010. Although still under construction, the tower has already become the tallest building in Baghdad and the second tallest in Iraq, with a total internal floor area of 90,000 square meters. The 170-meter-tall skyscraper aims to echo the values of the institution: solidity, stability, and sustainability. Blending innovation with the rich heritage of Baghdad, Zaha Hadid’s vision for the Central Bank of Iraq headquarters stands as a tribute to the city's enduring legacy.
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The skyscraper, nearing completion, features a distinctive twisting exoskeleton frame that defines its silhouette. The building's structure is composed of reinforced concrete with a narrow base that widens at the middle before tapering toward the top, optimizing both its aesthetic and functional aspects. The façade is framed by a dynamic outer skeleton that features rippling patterns of open and closed elements, designed to mimic the way light reflects off the waves of the adjacent Tigris River. This exterior also serves a practical purpose by shading the glazing and creating a variety of light and shade within the interior spaces. The tower’s grand atrium draws natural light deep into the building, opening the interior towards the river and providing expansive views across the city.
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