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Burj Dubai, a pinnacle of innovation
It will be officially opened on January 4, the fourth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice-President and Prime Minister, becoming the Ruler of Dubai.
But while the 818m tower stands as a symbol of the emirates growth and vision, its dimensions have brought a unique set of engineering challenges.
They have been met through the use of ground-breaking technology. For example, a journey to the top floor, the 160th, will be made using the world?s fastest lifts, going up at 64kph.
The buildings glass surfaces, enough to cover 17 football pitches, are expected to collect 15 million gallons of condensation a year. But a potential problem has been turned to the towers advantage: the water will be used to irrigate its landscaped gardens.
However, despite the use of highly advanced robotic apparatus, Burj Dubai's facade will still take four months to clean.
It is estimated that the 230,000 cubic meters of concrete used in construction weighs the equivalent of 100,000 elephants. If laid as a pavement, it would stretch 1,900km.
With room in the tower for 35,000 people, fire safety was a priority. A firefighter's lift and secured, air-conditioned evacuation zones, every 25 floors, are built in.
The tower is the centerpiece of the developer Emaar's US$20 billion (Dh73bn) Downtown Dubai project, which also includes the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, Souk Al Bahar and residential towerblocks and townhouses.
Not surprisingly, Burj Dubai has attracted prestigious tenants. Many of its lower floors will be taken up by a 175-room Armani hotel; there will also be 144 apartments featuring the designer's home furnishings.
In total, there will be 800 apartments on floors 17 to 108.
Most levels above this will be offices. However, there will be a public viewing platform on the 124th floor, the highest such platform in the world. Even better views can be enjoyed from a nightclub 20 floors higher.
But do not worry if you have not got a head for heights. While those inside are looking down, admirers at ground level will be able to see the spire from as far as 96km away.
Source: www.thenational.ae
Nov. 11, 2009
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