Over the last few decades, Dubai has progressively gained the reputation of being a paradise for bold and luxurious constructions. The recently completed 2,717-foot Burj Khalifa is only another laurel in Dubai’s glistening crown, bringing to the region the repute of housing the world’s tallest building. Chicago architect Adrian Smith designed the $1.5-billion building, which boasts nightclubs, lofts, luxury suites and boardrooms. An architecture veteran for more than 40 years, he has designed a number of landmarks such as the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai and the Rowes Wharf in Boston. Constructed by Emaar Properties, the tower features a 500-acre development at its base.



Mr Smith created the structure to reflect a blend of Islamic and modern Western architecture. Built in levels that move in an upward spiral, the tower resembles an onion when viewed from the top. Its triple-buttressed style is inspired by a lily—Hymenocalli. A revised orientation of 120 degrees is meant to mitigate wind pressure while its ‘intelligent elevator’ mechanism makes moving between floors easy. The commercial-cum-residential tower is significant as mega-structures like these are rarely built. These developments benchmark cutting-edge styles and technologies for decades to come. For instance, it will be interesting to learn how the building deals with wind at such a height, how the best people were garnered globally to execute different aspects of the job and how its emergency management system has been developed.