Architecture

More details emerge on Dubai's new megatall observation tower

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Due for location in Dubai Creek Harbor, Dubai Observation Tower will be shaped like a dart and rise to a fine point at its tip
Santiago Calatrava
The tower will reportedly reach a height of over 828 m (2,716 ft)
Santiago Calatrava
The Dubai Observation Tower is due to be completed in 2020, in time for the Dubai Expo trade fair
Santiago Calatrava
The tower has an estimated budget of US$1 billion
Santiago Calatrava
Due for location in Dubai Creek Harbor, Dubai Observation Tower will be shaped like a dart and rise to a fine point at its tip
Santiago Calatrava
An interesting-sounding cooling system will use water to clean the structure's facade
Santiago Calatrava
Two special VIP observation garden decks will be decorated in greenery in an attempt to recreate the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Santiago Calatrava
Calatrava says the tower will feature a focus on energy-efficiency and sustainability, though details at present are very slim
Santiago Calatrava
The tower will also be lit at night, so as to accentuate its "flower bud" design
Santiago Calatrava
Architectural drawing of the new observation tower
Santiago Calatrava
View gallery - 9 images

Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava has released new details concerning his planned observation tower in Dubai. Due for completion in 2020, the megatall tower will reportedly be even taller than the world's current tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Slated for location in Dubai Creek Harbor, the Dubai Observation Tower draws some inspiration from the traditional Islamic minaret and the lily plant, and takes the overall form of a dart, rising to a fine point at its top.

The structure will feature an elongated oval-shaped "bud" toward its top comprising ten observation decks (three of which will be open to the public), each offering 360 views of Dubai. It will be supported by a network of cables anchored into the ground, lending it a somewhat elegant appearance.

Two VIP observation decks will be decorated in greenery in an attempt to recreate something of the experience of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The tower will also sport rotating balconies and numerous event spaces. Its ground-level will feature retail spaces, education facilities and an auditorium.

Two special VIP observation garden decks will be decorated in greenery in an attempt to recreate the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Santiago Calatrava

Calatrava is keen to cite the tower's energy-efficiency and sustainability. While the details at present are very slim, an interesting-sounding cooling system will use collected water to clean the structure's facade. Extensive vegetation will be used for solar protection, in addition to an integrated shading system.

There's still no official word on the observation tower's height, but the BBC reports that it will be a "notch" taller than the Burj Khalifa. If so, that will make it in excess of 828 m (2,716 ft) tall, possibly giving it bragging rights as the world's tallest building – providing it isn't beaten to the punch by the Kingdom Tower. The BBC also states the construction budget is US$1 billion.

Sources: Santiago Calatrava, Emaar Properties

View gallery - 9 images
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1 comment
Steve Jones
If it's supported by guy wires, it would not count as a "building" as such and would be the world's tallest *structure*. Same category as supertall radio masts and such. It looks lovely, though.