Rumored to be one of the supreme engineering marvels of its time circa 600 BC, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon has inspired an ambitious, modern-day architectural feat. Emaar Properties is building on the mythical “tall tale” as it transforms Dubai’s skyline with the world’s tallest skyscraper—again. Emaar is also the developer of the Burj Khalifa, which is currently the world’s tallest building. Emaar unveiled plans to construct The Tower, whose upper observation decks are modeled after the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Designed by neo-futurist architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, the super-scraper features a slim profile with a floating oval-shaped bud ascending to the top. The observation areas will serve as a bright beacon in the night, while the structural core and tension cables disguised as delicate veins of lily leaves will showcase dynamic lighting effects.
The $1 billion glimmering skyscraper will also boast at least 20-mixed use floors, a boutique hotel, panoramic restaurants, a “Pinnacle Room” with 360-degree views and rotating balconies that extend outside the building. Sustainability features include green corridors and an environmentally-friendly tram service.
Scheduled for completion by 2018, it will become a centerpiece of the “old Dubai,” which boasts high-end residences near Dubai Creek Harbor, a 2.3-square mile waterfront development.
As of yet, the Tower’s final height has not been released, but it will face stiff competition in the race to the clouds. Challengers include its sibling Burj Khalifa (2,717 feet tall); Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower (under construction at 3,307 feet tall); Iraq’s proposed tower “The Bride” (3,779 feet tall); “The Mile,” an unattached conceptual green observation deck park (5,278 feet tall); and Tokyo’s proposed Sky Mile Tower (5,574 feet tall) scheduled for completion in 2045.
Curated from Forbes.