Nothing Beats Dubai (P-1)

If you think that the architectural and engineering expansion in Dubai is over, oh well think again. A slew of new projects are on the table and in the works as we speak, and this time, the projects have gone bigger, better, bolder and weirder. Take a look:

The "cloud' is a speculative design for a resort city elevated 300 metres in the air above dubai and supported on slanting legs resembling rain. it is designed by nadim karam of lebanese architect atelier hapsitus. it is a horizontal presence on an elevated platform, an antithesis to the sum of skyscrapers spreading over the entire region.

ha hadid' "dancing towers" are planned to be located in dubai's business bay development area. the plan consists of three buildings which rise up from the ground bending and intertwining with each other to create fluid animation of the forms.


The "pixel tower" by light architecture is on the palm jebel ali overlooking the lagoon and bay. the building's twisted core gives it a light and flexible appearance. the 45 degree twist allows the uppermost apartments to have optimal views, despite the buildings footprint.

The "infinity tower" is designed by skidmore owings and merrill and is located directly on dubai's waterfront. when complete it will be the world's tallest tower to feature a 90-degree twist. it will be used for luxury apartments and services, with all sides of the building featuring optimal views. the building's interior structure will feature a a concrete column, shaped like a helix. each floor has a slight 1.2 degree twist to compose the full 90 degrees.

madrid's a-cero architects led by joaquin torres has designed a new tower for the city of dubai. "the wave tower" is a high-rise proposed to be installed on the city's waterfront, the first skyscraper to do so. the tall tower, which appears to float in the sea, is connected to land by a gently curved bridge which mimics the waves ofthe gulf sea. the building is under development and will be in the madiant al arab district. it will stand at 370 meters and have 92 floors wrapped in a double skin glass facade.


real estate mogul donald trump is also part of the architectural plans of dubai, along with nakheel hotels he plans to build a 255 meter "trump hotel" on a man-made island in dubai. with 60 stories, the 5 star hotel will also house some luxury apartments. the building has been designed by atkins architects.


" Opus" is another dubai building designed by british architect zaha hadid. the 235 million GBP development was designed for the business bay for omniyat properties. it stands at 20 stories located next to the towering burj dubai. hadid's concept was to have the building open onto the city, framing the views. it is currently underdevelopment and is planned to be completed by 2010.


"0-14 tower" was designed by resier and umemoto and rur architecture pc along with dubai developer, shahab lutfi. the building was designed for dubai's business bay and features 22 floors covered in a double skin facade that's outermost skin is constructed from 40c, thick perforated concrete. the one meter space between the skins creates a chimney effect, cooling the building.

"'dubai pearl" was originally conceived by the omnix grop in 2002 but has since been taken over by a consortium of investors led by the al fahim group. the 3 billion USD project overlooks the pal jumeriah and covers 1.4 million square metres of the dubai media and technology free zone.


currently awaiting completion, this art deco inspired building will house a hotel and residences. "the burj dubai lake hotel" stands at 306 meters next to the duabi mall and the burj dubai lake.


"dubai towers" is the centerpiece for the large 'lagoons' development. the buildings and the development were all conceived of by TVS. the four towers range in size from 54 to 97 floorsand were inspired by the flames and movement of candlelight.


The "da vinci rotating tower", is one of the most innovative an unique buildings to be built in dubai. the 250 meter tower will allow each floor to rotate freely allowing the building to shift its shape. in between each floor horizontal wind turbines will allow the building to produce energy.