[Week 10] Part 3: Burj Khalifa

Many of Dubai’s projects are now recognized all over the world. In terms of modern Dubai there is one thing, which can’t be skipped. The Downtown area, which is a home for one of the world’s biggest shopping centers, the Dubai Mall, with its enormous aquarium and an Olympic size skating rink, as well a traditional Souk Al Bahar and a famous Dubai fountain, which can shoot water 150 meters into the air. However the downtown is being dominated by of course the world tallest building Burj Khalifa.

The Burj Khalifa reached its peak in 2010 and with over 828 meters in height has beaten the last record. The high-speed lifts deliver visitors to the top with 40km/h speed (and it’s still not enough to be the fastest in the World, the record is around 60 km/h – Taipei 101). At 124th there is an observation deck, which offers 360* views over the whole city. Looking out from it is an unforgettable experience available only in Dubai – until someone will build a bigger building ;)

Nowadays, it looks like there is no other finished and open building, which could even compete with Burj Khalifa. When you look at the city panorama you can easily noticed that Burj Kalifa is almost twice as big as the rest of the skyscrapers in Dubai. What is more, the second highest building in the world (Abraj Al Bait) is over 200 meter lower! Below a link showing graphic design comparing the highest towers.

Burj Khalifa - World Tallest Towers

Since the dawn of time people have been creating constructions dominating over other buildings with its splendor, appearance, and height. Especially the height, which impresses, shows the power; it’s the culmination of skills, the development of civilization. Such constructions create their own history. The best proof of this are the Egyptian pyramids, which held the title of tallest buildings erected by man until 1311, and have lasted to this day. In 1311, the cathedral in the Lincoln, England won over pyramids and until 1889 was undefeated, but Eiffel Tower broke another record, becoming the first non-sacral world's highest building. From that time a peculiar race on floors and feet began. At the beginning dominated Europe, then came the time of the USA and later Asia hegemony, but today the highest and most interesting skyscrapers arise where the black gold reigns: the Middle East. The best example of this is UEA with the jewel in its crown: Dubai Burj Khalifa.

However there is at least one building in progress, which can beat the record. The Kingdom Tower is planned to be finished around 2019 and it is supposed to reach over 1000 meters. This Saudi Arabian construction will cost around 1.23 billion of USD. Don’t you think that we are dominated by the Arabic world?

The question is what will be next? Is it possible to build something bigger, higher? I have read that now we are limited mostly by lifts – we cannot build longer lifts, as their cables would be too heavy… What is sure, even we cannot build higher, we are still trying to compete by other features. Have you ever heard about the idea of the Infinity Tower in South Korea? The architect decided that it is not worth taking part in a race for the highest building, because it is better to do something unique. His idea is based on optical camouflage, that by pressing a button the whole building will become invisible. The tower is still only a concept, but there is a plan to finish it till 2018. We will see or in fact won’t see? ;)

For those who are thrill-seekers look at the below movie showing the world record of base-jumping made from Burj Kalifa.

Question:

In your opinion, what makes people constantly need to break records?

Do you think, there is any limit, which cannot be outstripped and people will give up trying?

Have you ever beaten any record (I mean even a personal challenge), which was significant to you? What was that?

All pictures are taken by me or my friends.