Rising from the sloping banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad, the design for the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) conveys the core values at the heart of the institution: solidity, stability and sustainability. The CBI's design presents a manifestation of these contemporary values, rich traditions and historic relationships. At a height of 170 metres and a gross internal area of 90,000 square metres, the composition of the design is tailored to the very specific constraints of the site. Narrow at its base, the tower widens in the middle to optimise the layout and increase efficiencies, and then tapers inwards towards the top. The CBI's grand atrium brings natural light to the heart of the building, opening it to the river – a constant reference for all staff and visitors of the Tigris' unique importance in defining Iraq's past, present and future.