Emaar, the government-backed developer of the 2,717-foot-high Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest building), unveiled plans to construct “The Tower,” an even taller Dubai skyscraper whose upper observation decks represent the ancient Hanging Gardens—rumored to have been among the supreme engineering marvels of its time (circa 600 BC). This 8th wonder of the world, scheduled for completion by 2018, will be a centerpiece of the vast Dubai Creek Harbour project and the city’s 2020 World Expo.
Designed by Spanish-Swiss neo-futurist architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, the $1 billion glimmering skyscraper will boast at least 20-mixed use floors, a boutique hotel, panoramic restaurants, a “Pinnacle Room” with 360-degree views, VIP observation garden decks that recreate the Hanging Gardens, and rotating balconies that literally extend outside the building. The super-scraper’s overall design is influenced by a lily flower and minarets, distinctive features of Islamic culture and architecture, particularly on mosques.
The project has the seal of approval from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the United Arab Emirates’ vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai. The skyscraper features a super-slim profile with a floating oval-shaped bud ascending to the top observation areas which will be highlighted as a light beacon at night. Even the structural core and tension cables disguised as the delicate veins of lily leaves (which anchor the building to the ground) will showcase dynamic lighting—including kinetic lighting effects.
The Tower’s stratospheric apex will compete with its sibling Burj Khalifa (829 meters tall); Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower (under construction at 1,008 meters); Iraq’s proposed tower “The Bride” (1,152 meters tall); “The Mile,” an unattached conceptual green observation deck park (1,609 meters); and Tokyo’s proposed Sky Mile Tower (1,699 meters) scheduled for completion in 2045.
The trend with skyscrapers aiming to be the tallest in the world is terrifying.
Wow, cant wait to see this in two (!) years. The render looks amazing too, but its a Calatrava design so thats expected.
Poor Jeddah&its Kingdom Tower.
They're going to complete it by 2018? Empire State Building teas.
This isn't a free-standing structure from the looks of it though, so the Burj Khalifa will still have that to its credit. But lord, Dubai really is insane I really wonder what will happen when the oil industry collapses in the next few decades though.
They're going to complete it by 2018? Empire State Building teas.
This isn't a free-standing structure from the looks of it though, so the Burj Khalifa will still have that to its credit. But lord, Dubai really is insane I really wonder what will happen when the oil industry collapses in the next few decades though.
They're going to complete it by 2018? Empire State Building teas.
This isn't a free-standing structure from the looks of it though, so the Burj Khalifa will still have that to its credit. But lord, Dubai really is insane I really wonder what will happen when the oil industry collapses in the next few decades though.
Dubai hasnt been reliant on oil money in over a decade tho. They diversified right from the start.
They're going to complete it by 2018? Empire State Building teas.
This isn't a free-standing structure from the looks of it though, so the Burj Khalifa will still have that to its credit. But lord, Dubai really is insane I really wonder what will happen when the oil industry collapses in the next few decades though.
I think that's the reason that all this stuff is going up.They're going to try and use tourism to sustain their current wealth.
They're going to complete it by 2018? Empire State Building teas.
This isn't a free-standing structure from the looks of it though, so the Burj Khalifa will still have that to its credit. But lord, Dubai really is insane I really wonder what will happen when the oil industry collapses in the next few decades though.
that's what they are preparing for. the tourism will bring in the coins
Dubai needs to stop. They only do this to impress. They already have the tallest building in the world that they don't even fully use. No city on this planet is more wasteful
It absolutely eclipses the current one that's sitting in the background of that photo - wow. I really enjoyed Dubai when I was there, I hope the developments and culture hasn't come about in sacrifice of the environment or workers rights, as has been stipulated before.
Empire State Building teas.
