Dubai Creek Tower: a tall project
Dubai is a city of records, of that there is no doubt. Here is the tallest hotel in the world –Gevora Hotel–, the largest shopping center in the world –the Dubai Mall– or the largest indoor ski slope in the world –Ski Subai–.
Without leaving the emirate, we can also enjoy the world's largest choreographed fountain display, the world's largest frame –Dubai Frame– and, of course, the famous Burj Khalifa, which with its 828 meters of concrete, steel and glass, has been the tallest building in the world... until now?
Dubai Creek Tower is the name of the tower that aspires to exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa and become the new tallest structure in the world.
It is not yet known how many meters the tower will measure, but it will be more than 828. Behind this colossal project signed by the architect Santiago Calatrava the promoter is found Emaar Properties and it is expected that the works will be completed, at the earliest, in 2021.
Dubai Creek Tower: up to 828 meters and beyond
A SYMBOL OF FAITH IN PROGRESS
The Dubai Creek Tower is being built in an area called Dubai Creek Harbour, about 8 kilometers from the Burj Khalifa –to look at it over the shoulder, why not– and Calatrava's project was chosen among six proposals from competing firms.
To design it, the architect was inspired by the natural forms of the lily and its shape evokes that of a minaret, a distinctive architectural feature of Islamic culture.
“It has been a great honor to participate in this project. . My team and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with a renowned firm like Emaar Properties,” said Calatrava.
“The design of the building is inspired by Islamic tradition, evoking the same history that brought the Alhambra and the Mosque of Córdoba to the world. These architectural wonders combine elegance and beauty with mathematics and geometry. The design of the tower has its roots in the classic art and culture of Dubai”, says the architect.
And he adds that it is also an important technological achievement: “Throughout my career I have used technology and engineering as a vehicle for beauty and art. This project is an artistic achievement, inspired by the goal of making this space a meeting point for citizens, not only from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates but from all over the world. It is a symbol of faith in progress.”
Dubai: the city of records
LIKE A LILY
The Dubai Creek Tower will not only embody design excellence but also important environmental and smart technology considerations and furthermore, "with the tower, we are delivering an attractive destination that will add long-term economic value to Dubai and the Emirates," he says. Mohamed Alabbar, President of Emaar Properties.
“It will also position Dubai Creek Harbor as one of the most desired residential, leisure and tourist attractions, providing tourists and residents a modern, luxurious and sustainable environment in which to live, work, learn and entertain”, finish off
The iconic structure blends modern, sustainable design with the rich culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and features ten viewing platforms, which form part of an elongated, oval-shaped cocoon at the top of the tower.
The slender stem serves as the structure's backbone, and the cables linking the building to the ground are reminiscent of the delicate ribs of lily pads. The structure also provides a beacon of light at night, with lighting that will emphasize the flower bud design of the building..
Like a lily of the desert
VIEWS ABOVE ALL –IN ADDITION TO SUSTAINABILITY–
Calatrava has designed the tower with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. The tower will use a highly efficient cooling system and the water collected from this system will clean the façade of the structure.
Likewise, the landscape and vegetation will promote sun protection. An integrated system of curtains and swing doors will also contribute to energy efficiency and the aforementioned observation decks – such as The Pinnacle Room – will offer 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
Two of these platforms have VIP viewing gardens, created to recreate the splendor of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The building will also include numerous rotating balconies around the facade of the tower, a café on one of three public observation decks and numerous event spaces.
The Central plaza , located at ground level, is intended to serve as the nerve center of the neighborhood, and will house shops, a museum, educational facilities and an indoor auditorium.
The tower is expected to have a total of 210 floors where there will be hotels, restaurants, gardens and apartments.
Impressive at night and day
DUBAI CREEK
The tower in question is located in the center of Dubai Creek Harbour, an area of six square kilometers in Dubai Creek, very close to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Dubai Creek was the most important port in the region and here hundreds of ships docked and departed to trade with India and Africa.
The natural Dubai Creek estuary divides Dubai into Deira and Bur Dubai, the two historic neighborhoods of the city and marked the beginning of the construction of the emirate itself
Dubai Creek Harbour: 'the place to be'
THE TALLEST TOWER OR THE TALLEST BUILDING?
As much as the Dubai Creek Tower towers over the Burj Khalifa, it is unclear if it will be recognized as the world's tallest building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). most likely the Burj Khalifa (also built by Emaar Properties) retain its title tallest building in the world and the tower is the tallest structure.
Why is it not considered a building? Among the conditions required by the CTBUH is that of that at least 50% of the structure is habitable, which in principle is not going to happen in the Dubai Creek Tower.
In any case, the Dubai Creek Tower promises to leave us with his mouth open and his gaze lost in the sky.
Ten viewing platforms will be spread throughout the structure
The main function will be that of observation tower