Back in February, Santiago Calatrava was announced the winner of the competition to design an observation tower for the massive Dubai Creek Harbor development: a showstopping (it's Dubai after all) megatall and superslender observation tower, soon to be "as great as the Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower."
Now the project's developer, Emaar Properties, has revealed further details about the design and released new fancy renderings to gaze at.
"The design has clear reference to the classic art from the past and the culture of the place while serving as a great technological achievement," said Santiago Calatrava about his competition winner. "In my whole career, I have perceived technology as a vehicle to beauty and to art. This project envisages an artistic achievement in itself, inspired by the idea of welcoming people, not only from Dubai and the UAE, but from the entire world. It is a symbol of an abiding belief in progress."
Asked about the final height of the ambitious structure, Emaar chairman Mohamed Alabbar, wouldn't reveal a final number but remarked that the tower will be "a notch taller" than the 2,717-foot (828-meter) Burj Khalifa – currently the world’s tallest building.
Read on for more information we've received from Emaar:
"Design Palette
The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbor draws design inspiration from the lily and evokes the image of a minaret, which is a common feature and distinctive aspect of Islamic culture. The elongated oval-shaped bud and geometric texture set the template for the observation decks. The slender stem serves as the analogy for the structure, which is engineered to its most efficient diameter. It is linked to the ground with sturdy cables, in turn, inspired by the delicate ribbing of the lily leaves. The cable array gives the structure its strength, anchoring the ‘bud’ securely to the ground with technical precision using modern engineering materials.
The Experiences
Offering unprecedented experiences for 360 degree views of the city and beyond, the crowning glory of The Tower will be The Pinnacle Room opening to grand views of the sky. The VIP Observation Garden Decks recreate the splendor of the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon,’ one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. An engineering marvel awaits visitors, the piece-de-resistance being the fully glazed rotating balconies that extend outward, rotating outside the skin of the tower. The tower will also have a world-class boutique hotel for visitors."
"Precision Engineering
The design will be finalized following elaborate wind tunnel testing and all mandatory seismic testing. Every aspect of The Tower is designed and being developed to the highest international standards of safety – from the choice of materials to the technology being used. All local government codes and regulations will be adhered to with close co-ordination and guidance from the concerned authorities.
A Visual Spectacle
Celebrating the iconic status of The Tower, the lighting will emphasize the ‘flower bud’ design as a floating element at the top of the structure, serving as a beacon of light at night. The structural core and tension cables will be gently and dynamically illuminated. Movement Lighting will be used to enhance not only the visitor journey but also the view from outside.
Green Features
The Tower takes into consideration environmental and sustainability features that will serve as industry benchmarks. It starts with the thoughtful design with an environment-friendly tram service to be integrated for effortless access. On-foot visitors have a multitude of access points on to the plaza. A number of green corridors are envisaged for pedestrian access and effortless connectivity with Dubai Creek Harbor."
Upon publishing the first preliminary rendering of the tower back in February, Donna Sink, co-host of Archinect's weekly podcast, commented: "Does anyone besides me think the nighttime rendering with fireworks is just a teeeeeeny bit over-the-top glitzy and self-congratualtory? Or has the train of restraint in renderings long left the Dubai station?" – Donna, we're so happy to include this newest, enhanced version of said rendering, now with even more fireworks.
All images courtesy of Emaar Properties/Santiago Calatrava.
3 Comments
Now that's a beautiful tower. Sad it probably won't happen though.
"At the heart of the city, yet at one with nature." If only.
This is a very pretty and elegant object, tho.
Yet another real estate project. (the masterplan, not the tower)
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