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Santiago Calatrava’s Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour has broken ground, and in just a few short years, will be breaking records, too.
At the ground breaking ceremony this week, officials including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai Holding, and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, and Micael Calatrava, CEO of Calatrava International announced that upon its completion in 2020, the landmark observation tower will measure in at a height slightly taller than Dubai’s own Burj Khalifa, making it the tallest tower in the world.
“The design and architectural features of The Tower demand unique engineering approaches that are currently being implemented on site. Extensive studies were undertaken in preparation for the groundbreaking, and the learning that we have gained from the experience will add to the knowledge base of mankind,” said Santiago Calatrava.
The design of the tower integrates “traditional Islamic architecture with cutting-edge design, engineering and sustainability elements.” The tower will contain three public observation decks, a cafe and numerous events spaces, as well as dynamic balconies that will rotate out from the facade of the tower. The structure will be topped by “The Pinnacle Room,” an observation space featuring 360-degree views of the city and several VIP Observation Garden Decks.
During the day, the tower will be recognizable for its slender form and array of stay cables, while at night, it will be lit with dynamic illumination and movement lighting. The building will feature a highly-efficient cooling system with a water collection system, which will be utilized to clean the building’s facade. Vegetation and an integrated shading system along the tower will encourage solar protection and contribute to the building’s efficiency.
Envisioned as a new landmark public space, the tower’s ground level Central Plaza will serve as the hub of a neighborhood masterplan containing world-class retail, a museum, educational facilities, and an indoor auditorium. Several green corridors will provide pedestrian access and clear connections to the Dubai Creek Harbour.
With a scheduled completion date set for 2020, the tower will support the goals of the Dubai Plan 2021, which is aimed at establishing the city as a global hub for business and leisure.
For more information on the Dubai Creek Harbour Development, visit Emaar's website, here.
