dubai landmark observation tower by santiago calatrava

earlier this year, santiago calatrava announced that he had been chosen to build a landmark observation tower in dubai creek harbor. now, more details of the architecture have been revealed, including the fact that the structure will rise ‘a notch’ above the burj khalifa — currently the world’s tallest building. referred to simply as ‘the tower’, the ambitious project seeks to establish dubai creek harbor as one of the city’s most desired residential and leisure destinations. on july 27, 2016, it was announced that advanced wind tunnel tests have taken place to confirm the structural strength of the dubai landmark observation tower. the successful completion of the tests, as well as a comprehensive range of seismic and local climate studies lends further momentum to the tower’s development to the highest standards of quality and safety.

fly-through tour of the tower at dubai creek harbour / video courtesy of emaar properties

developed by emaar properties, santiago calatrava’s building will offer a panoramic vista across the city from ‘the pinnacle room’, a space that opens to sweeping sky views. observation garden decks attempt to recreate the splendor of the ‘hanging gardens of babylon’ — one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. fully glazed balconies extend outward from the tower’s core, rotating outside the skin of the structure. in addition, the tower will have a luxury boutique hotel for visitors.

dubai landmark observation tower vision
all images courtesy of emaar properties

with a design influenced by the natural contours of a lily flower, the scheme evokes the image of a minaret — a common feature and distinctive aspect of islamic culture. the elongated oval-shaped bud houses the observation decks, while the slender stem is engineered to its most efficient diameter. the structure is linked to the ground with cables, which, along with the structural core, will be gently illuminated by night.

the tower at dubai creek harbour / video courtesy of emaar properties

the structure will rise slightly above the burj khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building

‘from the beginning, my team and I have tried to put the best of ourselves into this project, since it is very special and is a great honor to participate,’ said santiago calatrava. ‘the collaboration with such a prestigious firm as emaar properties makes it even more exciting and demanding. the design has clear reference to the classic art from the past and the culture of the place while serving as a great technological achievement. in my whole career, I have perceived technology as a vehicle to beauty and to art. this project envisages an artistic achievement in itself, inspired by the idea of welcoming people, not only from dubai and the UAE, but from the entire world. it is a symbol of an abiding belief in progress.’

the project seeks to establish dubai creek harbour as one of the city’s most desired destinations

mohamed alabbar, chairman of emaar properties, added: ‘the tower in dubai creek harbour is our tribute to the positivity, energy and optimism that dubai and the UAE celebrate, led by a leadership committed to all-round progress. a shining beacon of hope for the world, celebrating diversity and human achievements, this new iconic landmark further highlights the country’s ambition and futuristic vision and enhance our nation’s pride. it will be the destination for the world to visit, enjoy and celebrate life, as dubai prepares to host the expo 2020.’

fully glazed balconies extend outward from the tower’s core

the scheme will form part of dubai creek harbour, a 6 square kilometer development that is two times the size of downtown dubai and located 10 minutes from the city’s international airport. the waterfront development is centered off the dubai creek, and in close proximity to the ras al khor national wildlife sanctuary, protected under the UNESCO ramsar convention and home to over 67 species of water birds.

the tower will contain a luxury boutique hotel for visitors