B.F.G

B.F.G (Big, fancy giant!!)

A view to die for...

It is hard to imagine that buildings can keep on getting taller and taller but this is precisely what Giorgio Armani has done. Twice the size of the Empire State Building and 8 times the size of Big Ben, this colossal new hotel will certainly be a talking point for many years to come (or until someone else trumps it's size!)

Height Chart.

The astounding engineering is mind boggling! Not only setting a new record for the world's tallest building - thought to be about 818m high-, it also boasts the record for world's highest swimming pool (76th floor) and world's highest Mosque (158th floor).

So many issues would have to have been considered and it is hard to even try and consider how many problems would have arisen with this build. Claiming to be lightening and quake proof, the design would no doubt have to have been changed so much from Armani's original concept.

I suppose this is something quite important for designers to consider. At first glance an idea may seem amazing but put on a serious eye and nine times out of ten it is ridden with problems. This isn't a bad thing though. We are creative people and exercising our minds for constructive solutions will only help us become better designers. Back to reality though, I don't think I will have to consider problems ever on such a scale. Oh well, we can but dream!

A view from the top.
The Burj Dubai is thought to be visible from 60 miles away.

With thanks:
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/807667-burj-dubai-a-160-storey-view-with-a-lot-of-rooms
http://www.premiumposts.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/BurjDubaiHeight.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/405790364_2b03a6000d.jpg

Design taking on a new element

With designers under constant pressure to make their designs more sustainable, it was only a matter of time before someone took the brave challenge of designing a kinetic building. Mad? I think so.

Over recent years, Dubai has taken on the reputation for being a desirable place to build 'architectural wonders'. Viewing these new beauties by the crane of the neck, many tower above the skyline.

Designers like to make statements but instead of making a taller building than the last, some are now making 'greener' designs.

Imagine a 59 floor building that could not only power itself but 10 times over. This is exactly what architect David Fisher has done. The building he proposes to build will power itself using the sun and wind and will be capable of rotating around a central axis.

Imagine staying in this building, waking up one morning looking over the city, next morning waking up looking over the ocean. Something that you wouldn't need to dream of...this would be a reality.

This area of the world is susceptible to hurricanes and earthquakes but Fisher assures that the giant is able to withstand these forces as each floor can individually move.

Click here for further reading.

With thanks:
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/09/rotating-wind-powered-tower-to-begin-construction-in-dubai/