DUBAI | Burj Khalifah (Burj Dubai) | 828 M / 2,716.5 FT - Pinnacle | 162 FLOORS

[JDRCRASH]

If only that concept was applied to everything in the world...

But anyway, it's coming along beautifully.

[NYC2ATX]

its going to be a long time before Burj Dubai looses its title of tallest everything lol

You know what's awesome about that? I feel like this tower could be the Empire State Building of the 21st Century. It reached unimaginable heights at the time of completion (like the ESB), was built on a whim and completed during an economic downturn (like the ESB), was part of an historic building boom in the life of its city (like the ESB), and will undoubtedly be the tallest building in the world for many years to come (the ESB was the tallest building in the world for an unprecedented-by-comparison 41 years). Let's see if it also becomes an enduring world landmark and a symbol of the city it belongs to now and far into the future (like the ESB).

It even makes you wonder if Dubai will be the New York of the 21st Century. :rolleyes: Ahhh well...only time will tell.

[Apex]

^^ Does that mean Burj Dubai will stand empty for a few decades before turning a profit? :haha:

[Imre]

29/October/2009

Burj Dubai from the beach

http://i37.tinypic.com/5jy8m9.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/w89agl.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2na2v60.jpg

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http://i35.tinypic.com/2w71rnk.jpg

[Imre]

29/October/2009

Burj Dubai , reflection and Teddy :)

http://i34.tinypic.com/hvyu50.jpg

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http://i37.tinypic.com/bg4ab9.jpg

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http://i33.tinypic.com/xqe0cx.jpg



http://i33.tinypic.com/xqe0cx.jpg

[Imre]

29/October/2009

Burj Dubai

http://i37.tinypic.com/2zz8hfl.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/287dbp0.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/dyr4g2.jpg

[Imre]

6JDSW2QOiyc

-JsNS3ocock

[Aleks]

Man, I love those last pictures! You can really tell that it's the tallest thing ever made by man in these shots. I loved them so much that I decided to do a comparison of the BD next to the ESB. Okay, so it's not the best comparison, but I tried. I got the heights from the Diagram section.

But even if it's wrong just look at it! Can you imagine this in NY or Chicago (and please dont reply if you're gonna say things like, "something this ugly would never be built in blah blah! Dubai sucks! American skyscrapers!")? It would dwarf everything! I've never seen the ESB upclose so I still don't have a true sense of how tall the BD is but maybe I'll add something like the Space Needle so I can really understand it's true height. Comparing numbers is just not the same as comparing pictures.

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/Aleks0o04/BD-ESB1.jpg

Thanks Imre for the picture!

[arcite]

You seem to have a gross misunderstanding of the difference between the natural rivers and harbors in Chicago, New York and San Francisco and the artificial decorative pond outside of Burj Dubai. . . the assumption that the use of these harbor/river systems is "waning" is absolutely false. . . and I still don't understand how you'd apply these features - as you suggest - to these other cities. . .

For perspective, a comparison of the Burj Dubai pond to the water features outside the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas would be more apt. . .

. . .

Agreed, I was in Dubai a month ago and actually got a chance to check out those 'ponds' around the Dubai mall. It was stagnant, full of green algae and garbage. Kinda gross actually. I shudder to think about how much chlorine they will have to dump into these things every day to keep them looking.... natural.

[Imre]

30/October/2009

Burj Dubai

http://i34.tinypic.com/sl08km.jpg

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http://i35.tinypic.com/16jplco.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2f08svk.jpg

[Imre]

Burj Dubai from the Al Khail Road

SZ0qSeKHrHM

xyJETKCw01U

[Pizzuti]

You seem to have a gross misunderstanding of the difference between the natural rivers and harbors in Chicago, New York and San Francisco and the artificial decorative pond outside of Burj Dubai. . . the assumption that the use of these harbor/river systems is "waning" is absolutely false. . . and I still don't understand how you'd apply these features - as you suggest - to these other cities. . .

For perspective, a comparison of the Burj Dubai pond to the water features outside the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas would be more apt. . .

. . .


Woah. Okay, I think it is safe to say there is a huge difference between saying "This style of architecture and landscaping looks nice and we can incorporate some ideas into other contexts like Chicago" and "these two settings are fundamentally identical!"

I never suggested anything remotely indicating that the Chicago River and Dubai's enormous wishing pool are the same kind of water feature. I said it looked nice the way the bridges and walkways were on the same level as the water, and that other cities ought to consider doing more to integrate the water features with the fabric of the city. Specifically, I mentioned putting walkways in other cities closer to the water. However you want to take it, the idea of putting walkways closer to rivers isn't a controversial statement and doesn't convey any conceptual misunderstanding. Rather than attacking what you perceive to be my core understanding of what a river is, explain to me why you think water features like the Chicago River are totally un-approachable by bridges and walkways. Do you think there's too high a risk of floods? Do you think the Chicago River is gross and foul-smelling and nobody would want to be near it?

Here's a question I'll ask: do they still send barges down the Chicago River? Everything I read says no, but if somebody who lives in Chicago would say "yeah it's still a major shipping channel," I'll cede to that knowledge. However, I think it's pretty safe to say that the Chicago River is anything but "natural" at this point since not only has it been walled in by concrete, its flow has been completely reversed. It's a human-controlled waterway that may as well be an artificially-dug canal at this point, because it's natural function is gone. I don't see any good reason why it has to be walled off below 8 feet of concrete.

There are lots of other controlled or artificial waterways in other U.S. cities that could embrace the same principle. I know that in Denver, there are parks surrounding Cherry Creek and the Platte River with sidewalks that are on the level of the water. If the river floods, the sidewalk is submerged temporarily, later it dries, and there's no harm done.

[Pizzuti]

Man, I love those last pictures! You can really tell that it's the tallest thing ever made by man in these shots. I loved them so much that I decided to do a comparison of the BD next to the ESB. Okay, so it's not the best comparison, but I tried. I got the heights from the Diagram section.

But even if it's wrong just look at it! Can you imagine this in NY or Chicago (and please dont reply if you're gonna say things like, "something this ugly would never be built in blah blah! Dubai sucks! American skyscrapers!")? It would dwarf everything! I've never seen the ESB upclose so I still don't have a true sense of how tall the BD is but maybe I'll add something like the Space Needle so I can really understand it's true height. Comparing numbers is just not the same as comparing pictures.

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/Aleks0o04/BD-ESB1.jpg

Thanks Imre for the picture!


In 100 years I'd anticipate skyscrapers like this all over NYC and Chicago. Maybe in 50, 30....

I'm actually sort of surprised that U.S. cities have stuck to relatively few supertall skyscrapers when you consider economic capabilities those cities have. You'd think guys like Donald Trump would be seething to build the next Burj Dubai.

I honestly don't see what Burj detractors are talking about saying it's ugly. It looks fine to me, the worst thing about it being that it is so monolithic with no companion skyscrapers that most cities have. I'd only hope that if something like it went up in the U.S., that they'd step down the scale to keep it in proportion; nobody should build a skyscraper that is more than 20% taller than the next tallest skyscraper in a city.

[Crush_Buds]

I think I can see this building all the way from Denver.

:psycho:

Those last few shots and vids from the far off horizon really are spectacular.

[Zerton]

Rather than attacking what you perceive to be my core understanding of what a river is, explain to me why you think water features like the Chicago River are totally un-approachable by bridges and walkways. Do you think there's too high a risk of floods? Do you think the Chicago River is gross and foul-smelling and nobody would want to be near it?

Here's a question I'll ask: do they still send barges down the Chicago River? Everything I read says no, but if somebody who lives in Chicago would say "yeah it's still a major shipping channel," I'll cede to that knowledge. However, I think it's pretty safe to say that the Chicago River is anything but "natural" at this point since not only has it been walled in by concrete, its flow has been completely reversed. It's a human-controlled waterway that may as well be an artificially-dug canal at this point, because it's natural function is gone. I don't see any good reason why it has to be walled off below 8 feet of concrete.

There are lots of other controlled or artificial waterways in other U.S. cities that could embrace the same principle. I know that in Denver, there are parks surrounding Cherry Creek and the Platte River with sidewalks that are on the level of the water. If the river floods, the sidewalk is submerged temporarily, later it dries, and there's no harm done.

Well the Chicago River is accessible at Michigan Ave and South Wacker (one place I can think of) for dinner cruises, architecture boat tours, etc and there are many restaurants and apartments directly on it, so your notion of a 'gross' river is kind of outdated. No the city doesn't use it much for industrial purposes, like most American cities Chicago commerce based now. The River isn't disgusting but it is in a very urban setting so no, I wouldn't want to get in it. There is also a nice lake...

Anyways this is besides the point. Burj looks good. very shiny. :)

[New Skyline]

Man, I love those last pictures! You can really tell that it's the tallest thing ever made by man in these shots. I loved them so much that I decided to do a comparison of the BD next to the ESB. Okay, so it's not the best comparison, but I tried. I got the heights from the Diagram section.

But even if it's wrong just look at it! Can you imagine this in NY or Chicago (and please dont reply if you're gonna say things like, "something this ugly would never be built in blah blah! Dubai sucks! American skyscrapers!")? It would dwarf everything! I've never seen the ESB upclose so I still don't have a true sense of how tall the BD is but maybe I'll add something like the Space Needle so I can really understand it's true height. Comparing numbers is just not the same as comparing pictures.

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/Aleks0o04/BD-ESB1.jpg

Thanks Imre for the picture!

That's what I call a real Skyscraper.

Just look at it, that height isn't even normal anymore.

ESB is TRULY nothing compared with Burj.

[Canadian Mind]

That's what I call a real Skyscraper.

Just look at it, that height isn't even normal anymore.

ESB is TRULY nothing compared with Burj.

Maybe in terms of height, but ESB is still superior in terms of overall architectural quality. Not saying I don't like Burj's architecture, I just happen to like ESB more. Both buildings were monolithic as of the time of their construction, so maybe 75 years down the road Burj will be to people of the future what the ESB is today.

Personally I'm thinking within the next few years somebody in T.O. is gonna grow a pair of nuts and decide to try to beat this thing to become #1 again.

[Fury]

Hi all.

You know what's awesome about that? I feel like this tower could be the Empire State Building of the 21st Century. It reached unimaginable heights at the time of completion (like the ESB), was built on a whim and completed during an economic downturn (like the ESB), was part of an historic building boom in the life of its city (like the ESB), and will undoubtedly be the tallest building in the world for many years to come (the ESB was the tallest building in the world for an unprecedented-by-comparison 41 years). Let's see if it also becomes an enduring world landmark and a symbol of the city it belongs to now and far into the future (like the ESB).

It even makes you wonder if Dubai will be the New York of the 21st Century. :rolleyes: Ahhh well...only time will tell.

This is one of the best posts I've seen on this forum.

I've been avoiding this forum for a long while now because of all the negativity regarding the Burj. It seemed every time I would come here someone would post crap because they couldn't get over the WTS isn't in North America.

I've noticed in the last months the posts here are much more positive. There will always be some naysyaers on any forum but I think I will come here and post more often now.

I like it.

:cheers:

[Tom In Chicago]

Woah. Okay, I think it is safe to say there is a huge difference between saying "This style of architecture and landscaping looks nice and we can incorporate some ideas into other contexts like Chicago" and "these two settings are fundamentally identical!"

I sent you a PM. . .

. . .

[Desert Diver]

This morning seen from Za'abeel

http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_zaabeel1_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_zaabeel1_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_zaabeel1_x.jpg)


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004095_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004095_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004095_x.jpg)


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004110_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004110_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004110_x.jpg)


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004152_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004152_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004152_x.jpg)


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004153_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004153_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004153_x.jpg)

[Aleks]

Omg! Those shots are just amazing, nothing less!

The BD looks so sci-fi. The whole skyline looks like 2078. I just wish there were more cool, sci-fi looking buildings instead of the ugly, balcony infested residential buildings.

[sebast13]

About the debate on the place of rivers in North American Cities.

I'd like to give the example of Quebec City and the St-Charles river that once was one of the most polluted river in North America and had been trapped in concrete walls for years.

For the 400th anniversary of the city, the concrete was removed and the shores of the river were renaturalized. The result; a wonderful natural space in the heart of the city where everyone can relax.

Here's a few pics on the evolution of the river. I think this kind of project could be applied to cities like Chicago, despite their density.

I had a hard time finding past pictures of the river but there was industries all along the shore (Only the one on page 243 of this book http://books.google.fr/books?id=orqPKHuGCWgC&pg=PA261&dq=st-roch+m%C3%A9moire#v=onepage&q=&f=true). It also received all the sewers of the city and was commonly used as a dump by the citizens. Think of the most disgusting river you can imagine, there even were cars in the river. Nothing could live in it.

Plan of a part of the project

http://www.circuitsnautiquesst-charles.com/Parcours.jpg

Removing concrete along the whole river

http://www.quebecurbain.qc.ca/archives/jc100_1637b.jpg

The river today

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Quebec-St-Charles.JPG/300px-Quebec-St-Charles.JPG

Now, animals are coming back in the river and it's starting to become natural again.

[Aleks]

Alright, I think that's enough. Let's carry on with the topic of this thread. Which is the BD not the river system in cities.

If you feel like you have to reply to these previous comments then don't even bother because they'll get deleted.

There's a City Discussions forum for that.

[Pizzuti]

^Aleks, do you have ability to delete other peoples' posts?


^^^I'm looking at those photos of Dubai from the water, and I noticed that you can't even see the marina supertalls in this pic. I already knew that Dubai was decentralized, but is there anything in the city that could be considered "downtown" or to be the core of the city? It seems that the Burj Dubai is way out in the outskirts of town, closer to the open desert than the core of the city, making it especially ironic that the tallest man-made structure on Earth is a "subrban" skyscraper.

I've also been looking for a good map of Dubai so I can figure out where the general areas are, but its hard to find a single map that lists everything I'm interested in.

Is this map to scale? Or is it just a gimmick. I have a feeling that the small buildings are much smaller and more numerous than they appear on this map, especially considering the size of the palms. http://www.earlybird.net/eb/images/maps/Dubai_Map_Municipality.jpg

[Desert Diver]

The Burj is close to the desert, because Dubai stretches some 50km (30miles) along the coast and the urban areas do not reach much further than 5 to 10km (3 to 6 miles) into the desert - yet.

Actually, Dubai has two "cores":


Downtown Dubai in the north (Burj Dubai and surroundings, Financial District, Business Bay and the skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Road)
New Dubai in the south (Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Marina, Media City and Internet City)


Here is a link to most of Downtown Dubai in maps.google (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Hohenfelde,+Steinburg,+Schleswig-Holstein,+Deutschland&ll=25.203233,55.278654&spn=0.048848,0.090895&t=h&z=14)
And if you like you will find pictures on my website showing that Downtown Dubai is not all that suburban as you might think :) : www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai.html (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai.html)

And here is a link to most of New Dubai in maps.google (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Hohenfelde,+Steinburg,+Schleswig-Holstein,+Deutschland&ll=25.085599,55.152311&spn=0.048895,0.090895&t=h&z=14)
Again you may find images of New Dubai on my website in the respective section: www.verticaldubai.com/new_dubai.html (http://www.verticaldubai.com/new_dubai.html)

Hope this gives you an idea how Dubai is set up geographically. Please consider that the google pictures are are a bit old, a lot happens here within a few months! Also, future plans for urban development will reach far more into the back country and eventually Burj Dubai will be surrounded by more than enough urbanity. As an example, Business Bay alone will consist of some 300 skyscrapers :)

If you have any questions feel free to post them or send me a message :cheers:

[LoverOfDubai]

Actually, the true core of Dubai is here (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=25.260299,55.307665&spn=0.040675,0.109863&t=h&z=14). This area is the oldest part of Dubai and historically was Dubai. On one side of Dubai Creek is Bur Dubai and on the other side of the creek is Deira.

The presence of skyscrapers does not always signify a core (similar to Paris). Desert Diver already alluded to this, but Dubai is a very poly-centric city. Unlike the traditional city where most businesses and offices concentrate in one area (the downtown), Dubai has multiple areas that serve as hubs for a variety of industries.

If you think of a downtown as the densest part of a city, then without a doubt it is in Deira and Bur Dubai. If a downtown is where there is a high concentration of employment, then Dubai does not really have a true downtown.

[Desert Diver]

:previous: You are right! I just answered in terms of urbanity as referring to a high density of skyscrapers. Deira and Bur Dubai are the true core, of course.

Pictures of the Creek (http://www.verticaldubai.com/dubai_creek.html) :)

[Pizzuti]

Well, it's just that in most North American cities all the different definitions of "downtown" coincide in the same area. Denver seems to be the epitome of that, with all three major stadium/arenas, all major office skyscrapers, some significant museums, a state capitol building, very dense apartment buildings, the core of regional mass transit and a huge university campus with 3 different universities in it all within a couple of miles of each other. I think this partially happened on purpose and partially happened because it's easier to tear down abandoned warehouses to expand downtown than it is to build downtown-like amenities in the residential neighborhoods that fill the rest of Denver proper. Anyway, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and most of the other major cities I've been to are particularly well-cored and centralized cities.

I think it has most to do with speed of growth, though. Cities that seemed to go up overnight just don't seem to have the same kind of core. The closet thing to Dubai I can think of is Las Vegas, where there is a lot of money to encourage large developments but otherwise you have a very sprawling city that grew very, very quickly; so quickly in fact that infill was implausible (the structures new projects would be replacing are themselves new), and major developments that happened close to the outskirts of town (the strip goes all the way to the airport now). Interestingly both cities are built on very barren deserts, so I wonder if the cheapness of real estate has something to do with the way they've grown. San Diego, too, grew very quickly, sprawled a lot, and ended up being less centralized.

I suppose that mega-cities are often multi-cored; New York City can be said to have downtowns in both Lower Manhattan and Midtown, and I know that Tokyo and Paris and London have old downtowns and new downtowns.

Like I always say, though, Dubai will come around over the next few decades when a more natural pace of growth takes hold. I still think the areas with skyscrapers really need mid-rises, and the neighborhoods, which seem to be economically segregated, may start to blur as new and expensive areas lose their chic to become more middle-class.

[GO_UAE]

The closet thing to Dubai I can think of is Las Vegas.

No disrespect to LV , but this is so untrue on so many levels it laughable. Not you , the statement you made. Dubais core has been settled by people for over a thousand years trading in pearls spices and gold. Hundreds of thousands of people move here on a yearly basis to settle , 160+ nationalities ... 2nd biggest container port , 3rd largest sea port and fastest growing airport ... almost 10 million tourists , most of which are international tourists .. and this number is expected to grow to 15 mill soon ... Dubais future and what it plans on becoming , and the money allocated to fulfill these goals is going full steam ahead , Dubai might of looked like las vegas in 1999 since the only picture online available to you was that stupid strip with the emirates towers on one end and a few scattered here and there , but man its 2009 now going on to 2010 , and you have the fastest city in the world , you should expect huge changes in this span of time.

I would say Dubai reminds me alot of los angeles city .... or perhaps singapore ....


http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8359/thisonefl.jpg
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http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7708/72582904h57yth9odubaiae.jpg




Images are Copyright Brian J. McMorrow 1999-2005


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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/2117744931_569a8c947b_b.jpg

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[Desert Diver]

Business Bay and Burj Dubai, seen from 22nd floor of Ubora Towers.

http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora1_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora1_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format! (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora1_x.jpg)


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004239_y.jpg


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004278_y.jpg
(The construction teddy is a registered trademark by Imre, all copyrights reserved :) )

[Imre]

JP4RsUmEwFY

Sorry forgot to turn the sound on,, enjoy.

03/November/2009

Burj Dubai from the Ubora Towers (Business Bay)

nice view for the workers

http://i33.tinypic.com/6qijoy.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/29gontj.jpg

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Desert Diver

http://i33.tinypic.com/o8ugdz.jpg

Desert Diver and 234Sale

http://i33.tinypic.com/23lxtf6.jpg

some pics behind the scenes

http://i33.tinypic.com/209m39j.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/e9dctv.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2rfg9s0.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/av4vo1.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/28mim2v.jpg

[Imre]

03/November/2009

Burj Dubai

http://i33.tinypic.com/34fdtp5.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/1zel1ds.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/fbjd6x.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/23uuqd.jpg

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http://i38.tinypic.com/33lo6jt.jpg

[Tom In Chicago]

Well, it's just that in most North American cities all the different definitions of "downtown" coincide in the same area. . .

I think your questions and comments need to be sent to the appropriate sub-forum. . . this section is to discuss the Burj Dubai building. . .

Also, a little bit of research goes a long way on these forums. . . pedestrian observations are not typically met with open arms on these boards. . .

. . .

[Imre]

05/November/2009

Burj Dubai

http://i37.tinypic.com/9j3uck.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/jpbsba.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2mes8xf.jpg

[Desert Diver]

http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_SZR_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_SZR_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_SZR_x.jpg)


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004326_easyHDR_y.jpg


http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora_night1_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora_night1_x.jpg)
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora_night1_x.jpg)

[peanut gallery]

Damn, guys, those are some beautiful shots.

[CalibratedZeus]

http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora_night1_y.jpg[/URL]
Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_ubora_night1_x.jpg)

This shot is absolutely gorgeous, thank you so much for being an awesome photographer.

I can not wait until the Burj Dubai is fully occupied and lit up at night, not to mention the rest of the amazing construction going on around it. Those blank silhouettes of buildings under construction do not do the city justice at night. Dubai will truly be a sight to behold when all is said and done.

[WonderlandPark]

I am soooooo bummed, the opening is now delayed a month. I will be in Dubai Dec. 16-20 and was hoping that the BD would be open, it was supposed to be Dec. 2. :mad:

Burj Dubai opening delayed until early 2010
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The supertall skyscraper in Dubai, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill of Chicago, had been scheduled to open on Dec. 2. But its debut has been pushed back to January 4. When complete, the Burj will be the world's tallest building. Read the full story here.

[Imre]

09/November/2009

Burj Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road

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[Desert Diver]

http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004421_easyHDR_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004421_easyHDR_x.jpg)

Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004421_easyHDR_x.jpg) :)

[colemonkee]

Imre and Desert Diver, amazing pics, both of you. I love that tower in the foreground on SZR. Reserved, yet classy.

[the one and only]

looks like dubai will one day have a massive skyline

[WonderlandPark]

Imre, nice photos. Is that view from a hotel? A place where the public can go?

[WilliamTheArtist]

Truly looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.

[Desert Diver]

Imre, nice photos. Is that view from a hotel? A place where the public can go?

It's the pool terrace and rooftop bar at the "Four Points at Sheraton" (41st floor).

[GO_UAE]

http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004421_easyHDR_y.jpg (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004421_easyHDR_x.jpg)

Click here or on above image for large format (http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004421_easyHDR_x.jpg) :)


:tup:

[staff]

Insane pics! Definitely checking out that pool view when I visit Dubai (5.500 posts! So long!). :)

[Imre]

Press Release

Burj Dubai enters final leg of construction with dismantling of high-altitude cranes

Dubai, UAE; November 10, 2009: Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, which is being developed by Emaar Properties PJSC, is nearing completion, following the dismantling of the last high-altitude crane used in the tower’s construction.

Having also completed the external cladding recently, the Burj Dubai construction team is now concentrating on the interiors and landscaping.

Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC, said: “The sheer size, scale and architectural detailing of Burj Dubai demanded an unprecedented degree of engineering innovation. Working at great heights involving the use of massive cranes has been one aspect of the challenge. Dismantling the cranes is an exciting development because it shows that completion of the world’s tallest tower is just around the corner.”

Three huge tower cranes were used in moving construction materials up to Level 156 of Burj Dubai. The cranes could each lift a staggering 25-tonne load and were designed to withstand 120km/hour winds.

Typical cargo included welding equipment, scaffolding, reinforcement bar cages, steel link beams that weighed up to 20-tonnes, shuttering pieces, compressors, hoist masts, cladding panels, and custom-made elevator motors – in short, everything that is need to build the world’s tallest tower.

In all, the three cranes lifted over 63,300 tonnes of steel reinforcement, and were operational for a total of 45,000 man-hours. A team of 35 skilled technicians manned the cranes, a critical component of the 11,000-strong workforce devoted to the construction of Burj Dubai, already a global icon.

The operators of the cranes worked at dizzying heights of more than 700 metres, almost double the height of the Empire State Building.

Mr. Abdullah Lahej, Executive Director, Dubai Project Management, Emaar Properties, said: “No high-rise construction project has moved the same volume of materials as Burj Dubai or to the same heights. The way tower cranes have been used to complete the world’s tallest tower is unprecedented and writes a new chapter in super-tall tower engineering.”

He said: “Managing the effects of wind speeds and the unique design challenges involved in realising the Burj Dubai’s slender structure was an extreme test. Each aspect of the construction was analysed to ensure maximum safety, efficiency and ease of operation – and the steady progress of the tower’s construction is a testament to the team’s exceptional commitment and abilities.”

Final work on interiors and landscaping is underway as the Burj Dubai prepares to open on January 4, 2010 to coincide with the Accession Day of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.


Tower crane dismantling: Perfect orchestration

Installation of the three tower cranes used for the construction of the higher levels of Burj Dubai was relatively straightforward, as sections of the cranes could be moved up the tower with the completion of new levels.

But as the tower grew in height, the floor plates and working area became smaller and smaller, providing insufficient room to fit the three cranes at the top of construction.

Dismantling the towers was considerably more complex than installing them. The first crane was removed in November 2007 and installed at Level 99 in order to serve as a future recovery crane.

For the next 11 months, the two remaining cranes continued their climb up the tower until October 2008 when one of them was removed due to the small size of the tower’s floor-plate. This left one final crane to continue with the rest of the exterior work.

In June 2009, the final crane had to be removed in order to allow the exterior cladding and finishing works to progress in the area it occupied. This longest serving crane had been in operation since the start of construction in March of 2005.

A small recovery crane was lifted up and installed at Level 159. With recovery cranes now positioned at Levels 99 and 159, the task of removing the last crane was ready to begin.

The process started with the crane climbing down from its working height of over 700 metres. The crane removed its own mast sections and lowered them to the ground until the boom and power pack were at the position of the Level 159 recovery crane.

From there, the Level 159 recovery crane dismantled the remainder of the main crane, lowering the pieces of boom, mast and power pack to the recovery crane at Level 99, which further lowered them to the ground.

The dismantling of the cranes at Burj Dubai is indeed a finely orchestrated set piece – except that the artists here were huge machines!

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the bigger size of photos I put here:

http://imresolt.blogspot.com/2009/11/burj-dubai-enters-final-leg-of.html

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai site visit

One of the best day in my life today, I spent around 5 hours inside the Burj.
This time I got a permission till the Tier 19 , so I think my best photos coming soon and hopefully you will like it:)

Many thanks for the site visit for the CoxGomyl (www.coxgomyl.com) Hong Kong and Dubai office , specially for Kennex and Mick and also many thanks for the Al Ghurair Construction/Arabian Aluminium team.

CoxGomyl is now commissioning the final systems on the higest building in the world the 818 Meter Burj Dubai

A total of 18 machines have been delivered to the building and the higest operating BMU in the world working at 715 meters

( http://www.coxgomyl.com/projects/middle-east/120/ )

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This is the greatest structure in the history :) More pics coming tomorrow!

[colemonkee]

Fantastic photos, Imre. Keep 'em comin!

[Trogdor01]

Something stood out in recent pictures of the Burj ...

What's at the bottom-center of this picture, from Imre (3 Nov 09):
http://i38.tinypic.com/fbjd6x.jpg

I see it also appears at the center of this picture, from Sebastian (5 Nov 09):
http://www.verticaldubai.com/downtown_dubai_3004326_easyHDR_y.jpg

My first thought is monorail station, but I know nothing about Dubai's transit system.

[GO_UAE]

Something stood out in recent pictures of the Burj ... What's at the bottom-center of this picture, from Imre (3 Nov 09).

yes your right , its the metro

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=390090

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai , BMU testing

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[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai , again the BMU from lower level ,I think its interesting and very well designed system , next time I will post something else.

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[Tom In Chicago]

Excellent photos Imre. . .

[Imre]

Thanks Tom!

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai , BMU's pics were taken from this terrace and the view from there specially from the jacuzzi :)

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[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai

lake, fountain, park,landscaping and the Downtown Burj Dubai

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[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai , boutique office, floor 125 , similar view will be from the observation deck

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[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai


The last named level is 160 mezz. 3 which is the start of tier 18. After that there is 6.4 m. sections up to the top of tier 23. The small elevator you took is BS4 and by the plans it goes up to the top of tier 18. It's possible each section could be considered 2 "floors" as further up there is a set of stairs with a landing every 3.2 m. but the official count ends at the highest named level - which is the 162nd level counting the mezz's and the skipped levels.

http://a.imagehost.org/0217/Burj_Dubai_09_06_3.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0217/Burj_Dubai_09_06_3)


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[Imre]

Burj Dubai short videos (HD)

HC5GO125lDw

x5zYZtLe9ys

tQsH7nKPMF4

_OLic-sRIg8

M4JJa5yymQQ

0BLPMqG5ZU8

J7FRm4yprME

cO19rd91jY8

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai , BMU (CoxGomyl) close up (Tier 19)

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[Imre]

this is the last set for today, tomorrow I will post again, just a few left :)

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai , view from the Tier 19

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[Crush_Buds]

Ridiculous.

Great vantage point.

[steveve]

it's kinda funny how even a super-tall looks puny from the burj!!:haha:

[SFUVancouver]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWVLzVhnYE0&feature=player_embedded

[MolsonExport]

These dubai shots are nothing short of spectacular! Esp. those of Imre and Sebastian.

[Imre]

November 2009

Burj Dubai

Nice view from this apartment (3901) and the finishing is just amazing, the wood is really good quality.

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[TXAlex]

From up there Dubia looks puny and desolate! Pretty amazing!

[1ajs]

aww siesta time lol

[manoskonstas]

amazing building!!!!!!!! its so hi like anything else and the architecture design is fantastic!!! its like how can i explain........just amazing

[Imre]

13/November/2009

Burj Dubai , amazing clear day today, pics from Al Wasl,Business Bay,Nad Al Sheba,SZR,Al Khail Road

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[Imre]

13/November/2009

Burj Dubai , SZR and Business Bay

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54 new pics from Al Wasl,Sheikh Zayed Road,Business Bay,Nad Al Sheba,Al Khail Road here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/imresolt/BurjDubaiFromDifferentLocations13November2009#

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai site visit pics

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Only 3 sets left of the site visit pics , tomorrow and on Sunday will be done:)

[peanut gallery]

That video from the very top of the spire is insane. I'm not usually bothered by heights, but something about being on top of that tiny point (at least it looks tiny from the ground) puts my hair on edge.

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai , BMU testing, tier19

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[WT Smiths]

Very, very impressive!

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai Metro Station and the Teddy inside the Burj Dubai:)

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[CalibratedZeus]

Do they have any kind of high speed elevators in the Burj Dubai? From that last video from Imre it takes 34 seconds to go down 10 floors. Not counting stops for other people, that is over 9 minutes from top to bottom...I hope they work that out, I for one would not want to spend 9 minutes in an elevator.

[Duffstuff129]

[meaningless compliment]

[nothing anyone could find even slightly offensive] .

[Desert Diver]

Today's sunrise at Za'abeel

http://www.verticaldubai.com/zaabeelsun.jpg

[Aleks]

Do they have any kind of high speed elevators in the Burj Dubai? From that last video from Imre it takes 34 seconds to go down 10 floors. Not counting stops for other people, that is over 9 minutes from top to bottom...I hope they work that out, I for one would not want to spend 9 minutes in an elevator.

Yeah, I think they have the worlds fastest elevators but I'm not really sure. I also read somewhere that they had double decker elevators. Again, I'm not sure. We need Fury back to give us the scoop on what going down inside!

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai ,lights system, higher BMU's , spire

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[Fury]

Hi all.

Thanks Aleks - how ya doin'.

BD elevators - I don't know much but here is what I've heard.
56 elevators total
At least 2 double decker
The fastest in the world - I've heard a number of speeds
The highest elevator in the world - named Pega hoist (BS4 in the plans) - top stop is section 18B at 636.9 meters

Here is the elevator schedule (very blurry) and a info list from level 160 that only shows some lifts.
Thanks to whoami for the schedule and Imre for the info ist.

http://a.imagehost.org/0801/plan_elevator_schedule.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0801/plan_elevator_schedule)

http://a.imagehost.org/0453/plan_elevator_info.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0453/plan_elevator_info)

:cheers:

[Imre]

10/November/2009

Burj Dubai

this is the last set of my site visit, it was interesting to make a ride with the BMU at 650m high :)

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Shadow of the Burj Dubai :)

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[Imre]

Burj Dubai , 279 photos online now in my Picasa album!

http://i37.tinypic.com/wa38s5.jpg (http://picasaweb.google.com/imresolt/BurjDubaiSiteVisitPhotos10November2009#)

Click here or on above image ! (http://picasaweb.google.com/imresolt/BurjDubaiSiteVisitPhotos10November2009#)

or the link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/imresolt/BurjDubaiSiteVisitPhotos10November2009#

3 different collages :)

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:cheers:

[Imre]

Inside the Burj Dubai, 5 hours just in 4 minutes :)

D94b97kZs3w

[pablosan]

Wow, this building is incredible.

[Imre]

17/November/2009

Burj Dubai (with the old and the new Teddy :) )

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[BStyles]

Wow....400 pages of pure excitement. And now it gets even better as the tower gets more and more clean. Imre, I applaud you for such amazing pictures!

[pioli12]

check out this video from the top of the top of the Burj Dubai...

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1924978

[austin4life]

Does anyone know if the Burj Dubai is 100% leased or sold retail space wise, i really need to know, and nice pics by the way

[Imre]

19/November/2009

Burj Dubai from the Dubai Festival City

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[Imre]

19/November/2009

Burj Dubai from Dubailand

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[Biff]

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It's not every day that you can look down at a thousand footer where it seems so small.

[Dylan Leblanc]

love the photos Imre!! :tup:

[keener]

check out this video from the top of the top of the Burj Dubai...

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1924978

this video is insane!

[Indescribable]

Talk about windy.

[Pizzuti]

They guy in the video said that it was the tower shaking and not his hands, so does that mean that people living or staying in the upper portion of the building will experience practically constant movement?

[Lindberg]

Any picture of the building at night? Does it have an interesting lighting design?

[HomeInMyShoes]

Awesome Imre. Great views. Thanks for posting those.