TORRE PLANETARIUM
Panama City, Panama (Latin America)
Proyecto: Two Residential Skyscraper Buildings
TOWER I
Height: 92 floors, 343 mts.
TOWER II
Height: 82 floors, 305 mts.
Developer: Espacios Panamá, S.A.
Architectural Design by: Mallol & Mallol Arq. S.A.
Structural Design by: SAI
Construction Started: 2008
Deliver: 2011
Structural Design of Planetarium Towers
Wind Studies
By: Alan G. Davenport Wind Engineering Group (at the University of Western Ontario).
A Complex Structural Design
- The Planetarium will be Panama’s newest addition to its developing skyline. Standing 92 and 82 stories, this spectacular two-tower project adds not only height to the existing skyline, but character.
- From the small aspect ratio (17:1 for a single tower) of the building to the unique five tower-to-tower connections along the height of the building, the Planetarium demonstrates its ease of standing tall.
- A great deal of planning has gone into the course of design and coordination with the architect. Structurally, SAI has worked extensively with the Alan G. Davenport Wind Engineering Group at The University of Western Ontario to develop the most effective design for both perception of motion due to wind and the building’s resistance to wind loading. These efforts will continue throughout the design phase.
- Poor soil quality requires both innovative foundation solutions and seismic structural considerations. SAI has examined multiple framing layouts to take advantage of framing repetition which is critical for the fabrication, shop drawing, and erection processes to be efficient and cost effective.
- Unique design elements, such as the cruciform columns, double flatwise wide-flange bracing and braced frame connections exemplify SAI’s contribution. This project has also aided the development of the modeling software used. With SAI’s need, RAM Structural System has generated both an “out of core solution engine” to deal with the large number of elements modeled and the ability of to model multiple diaphragms at the same level.
- Lateral Load Resisting System: Five two-story trusses connecting the two towers combined with belt trusses and outriggers tying back to interior shear walls that ascend the full height of the structure provide resistance to lateral loads. The primary cladding will be a glass curtain wall system with the remaining consisting of Alucobond type fascia. The residential floor plate for a single tower will be generally rectangular 20m in the short direction and 34m in the long direction.
- SAI’s worldwide experience and Hopsa’s Panamanian experience has proven to be a benefit for both parties. The resulting project will have approximately 123 condominiums with a number of amenities including a panoramic view of the bay of Panama, a 300 occupancy great hall, social areas complete with pools and putting green and an adjacent 9 story parking garage for residents and guests. Two basement levels within the towers footprint will service the adjacent parking garage.