In Dubai, near the gigantic Burj Khalifa skyscraper, a new architectural work is being built that seeks to break height records. It is not yet known when its construction will end, nor what it will be at its exact height. But there is something that its creators have made clear: it will have more than 828 meters. Those 828 meters are not accidental, it is just what the Burj Khalifa measures, the tallest structure in the world today.
If there is a city of extravagance and ostentation, it is certainly Dubai. The city where they build artificial islands, the city with the tallest skyscraper in the world, the city where you fly in a jetpack, the city where the police use hoverbikes … the city of architectural and technological follies. Now they are looking to add one more record to their catalog: the tallest tower (not a building) in the world and the tallest human structure ever created.
A symbol of value for the city
The Arab developer Emaar Properties is the one behind this new architectural marvel. In recent years they have been working on its design and construction with the idea of inaugurating it (at the earliest) in 2021. The goal? Being the tallest in the world is not the intrinsic reason, but it does help to achieve the real objective. According to them, they seek to build this tower so that it becomes a symbol of the area and adds extra value to the rest of the buildings that have or will have around it. A status symbol with which to value the rest of the properties.
Getting this will not be easy, or at least not cheap. It is estimated that the construction of the tower will cost AED 3.67 billion, which is equivalent to about 850 million euros. All this in an estimated way and without knowing the unforeseen events that may appear during construction, of course. But such an expense in some way or another is an investment and with the revaluation of the rest of the area they hope to recover said money.
The current name is Dubai Creek Tower, but it may change by the time of the opening. This name refers to Dubai Creek, the area where construction is taking place and about 8 kilometers from the Burj Khalifa. The idea is that Dubai Creek is a new district of the city to expand, with this magnificent tower at its center and standing out above anyone (literally).
A towering concrete tower surrounded by steel cables
Behind the design of this observation tower is an “old acquaintance” of many, the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The architect indicated at the time that he was inspired by the natural shape of the lily to shape the final design that was presented to Emaar Properties and the Sheikh of Dubai.
What stands out the most about this mega-structure is its huge central concrete tower surrounded by steel cables that connect the tower to anchors in the ground. This, in addition to giving it a larger impression, helps to better stabilize the tower. The tower itself also somewhat resembles a minaret, towers typical of Islamic architecture that were usually built near mosques.
If we look at the images of the proposed design, we can see how the tower is thin and at one point in its height, it elongates into an oval shape (resembling the bud of a lily as they indicate). It is in this widest part where there will be floors and other rooms for use. They expect it to have a total of 20 floors occupied by hotels, restaurants, or even residences. Finally, the antenna on the highest peak will be used for rebroadcasts.
But what use will be put to the tower itself? It is mainly an observation tower, so it will have a total of ten observation decks that will offer 360-degree views and will rotate to “hover” in the air. Likewise, they will place numerous gardens inside the tower that, according to what they say, will be inspired by the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
How tall is the tallest?
The height and the height record is the great dilemma of this observation tower. The promoters have decided not to announce its final size until its inauguration. Reason? Probably prevent someone from trying to outdo them. When the project was presented, it was dropped that the tower will be a little higher than the Burj Khalifa. The figure of the extra 100 meters was even given concerning the iconic skyscraper. In some videos published by the promoters to show how the tower will be, it was indicated that 8 Dubai Creek Tower would reach 11 kilometers in length… which gives us about 1,300 meters in height for the tower.
They are going to be looking to top the Burj Khalifa (which has also been built by Emaar Properties). But it is going to be difficult to be recognized as the tallest building in the world by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH for its acronym in English). Among the conditions that are requested is that at least 50% of the structure be habitable, this will not happen with the Dubai Creek Tower. Therefore, it is better to say for now that it will be the tallest tower in the world and not the tallest building in the world.
This topic is sometimes controversial because it depends a lot on what factors are taken into account to categorize things. Is it the largest structure built by man? Probably not if we take into account the oil rigs and how they “build” underwater, reaching up to 2,900 meters for example. What is clear is that Dubai Creek Tower is going to be a majestic and impressive structure once its construction is complete.
Sharlene Meriel is an avid gamer with a knack for technology. He has been writing about the latest technologies for the past 5 years. His contribution in technology journalism has been noteworthy. He is also a day trader with interest in the Forex market.
