Renderings have been released for a Santiago Calatrava-designed observation tower in Dubai that, according to developers, will be a ânotch tallerâ than the worldâs tallest building.Â
Calatrava worked with Emaar Developments to design the tower of Dubai Creek Harbour. Though an exact height hasnât been announced, it is slated to be taller than Dubaiâs 2,717-foot Burj Khalifa.Â
The tower will have a slender stem and a oval-shaped bulb at the top. It will have rotating balconies and 10 observation decks, including the The Pinnacle Room, which will provide 360-degree views of the city. Two garden decks will recreate the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Its shape is inspired both by minarets, the distinctive spire featured in Islamic culture, and by flower buds. Cables will link the building to the ground, which is intended to look like the ribbing of a lilyâs leaves. The bud at the top of the tower will light up at night.
âThis project is an artistic achievement, inspired by the goal of making this space a meeting point for citizens, not only from Dubai and the UAE but all across the world,â Calatrava said in a statement. âIt is a symbol of belief in progress."
Â
Â
Water collected from a highly-efficient cooling system will clean the structureâs façade. A museum, auditorium, and retail spaces are planned for the base of the tower.
âIt integrates not just design excellence but also strong environmental and smart-tech considerations,â Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said in a statement. âWith the tower, we are delivering a compelling destination that will add long-term economic value to Dubai and the Emirates.â
According to Curbed, Emaar Developments estimated that the tower would cost $1 billion, and that the goal is for it to be completed by the 2020 World Expo that will be held in Dubai.
Â
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Nov 17, 2015
CTBUH awards '2015 Best Tall Building Worldwide' to Bosco Verticale
Designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri, the building design was applauded for its âextraordinary implementation of vegetation at such scale and height."
High-rise Construction | Nov 12, 2015
SHoP unveils Brooklyn supertall tower design
When completed, the 90-story tower will be the tallest building in the outer boroughs of New York City.
High-rise Construction | Oct 26, 2015
Recent skyscraper boom benefits New York construction industry
CTBUH reports that luxury residential construction, slenderness aspect ratios, and construction in "fringe" areas have all increased.
High-rise Construction | Oct 21, 2015
Three years after The Shard, Renzo Piano reveals plans for new London tower
The 65-story tower at 31 London Street will have 200 homes and more than 40,000 sf of public space. It could also bring some life to Paddington Station.
High-rise Construction | Oct 13, 2015
Azerbaijan Tower tops list of 10 tallest buildings in the works
Along with the central Asian nation, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all have skyscraper projects that are under construction or in development.
High-rise Construction | Oct 8, 2015
The 75 tallest observation decks in the world
Chicago's Willis Tower cracks the top 20 as the Middle East and China dominate the rest of the list compiled by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
High-rise Construction | Oct 5, 2015
Zaha Hadid designs cylindrical office building with worldâs tallest atrium
The 200-meter-high open space will cut the building in two.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 1, 2015
Wiel Arets unveils twin, 558-foot mixed-use towers in Bahrainâs capital
The development, Bahrain Bay Tower, will consist of two residential towers connected âby a plinth of retail, office, parking, and public park space.â
Multifamily Housing | Sep 28, 2015
Vo Trong Nghiaâs 'diamond lotus' will feature sky garden pathways linking high-rises
The 22-story housing complex in Ho Chi Minh City will have façades covered with plants and a rooftop garden that connects the structures.
Architects | Sep 24, 2015
Supertall buildings vie for dominance along Chicagoâs skyline
The latest proposals pit designs by Rafael Viñoly, Jeanne Gang, and Helmut Jahn.