Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi

The Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, completed in 2012 by Aedas, feature the world's first large-scale responsive facade: 2,000 umbrella-like mashrabiya panels that open and close throughout the day in response to sunlight tracking. This computer-controlled "second skin" reduces solar gain by 50%, cutting cooling loads dramatically while creating a mesmerising, constantly changing exterior that references traditional Islamic architecture.