Fifty years after its independence, Bangladesh is the second-largest economy in South Asia and one of the fastest-growing in the world. Thus, Dhaka, its capital, is changing just as quickly and soon its skyline will be enriched with a new office skyscraper designed by OMA, the Dhaka Tower.

The skyscraper – whose design will be led by Iyad Alsaka, OMA partner – will be 492 feet high and will host an area of 1,940,000 square feet. It will be the first building at this scale in the new commercial district located on the edge of the former industrial district of Tejgaon, now home to some of the country’s leading companies and multinationals.

On the shore of Lake Hatirjheel, the Dhaka Tower will consist of two triangular plates connected by a rectangular core with panoramic lifts overlooking the lake. The pyramidal base will give rise to triple-height atria and allow a direct connection to the outdoor spaces. The lobbies – characterized by a bespoke pattern inspired by Dhaka’s waterscape – will be surrounded by spaces dedicated to retail and dining.

The base houses an exhibition space that reaches a maximum height of 131 feet. On the top floor of the building, there is a restaurant that offers seating both inside and outside. Alongside, a two-level viewing platform open to the public will offer a wide view of the metropolis.