Architecture in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its grandiosity and opulence. While massive-scale developments were stalled in Dubai largely as a result of the global financial crisis, it seems that money is once again pouring into the UAE. As a result, a barrage of ground breaking new developments are coming out of the country, each offering to be more impressive than the last.
Dubai’s return to grandiosity is evident in the plans for what aims to become the world’s tallest residential tower – The Princess Tower.
Designed by engineer Adnan Saffarini, once complete, the skyscraper is expected to reach heights of 413.36 meters and overlook the Dubai Marina.
Aesthetically, this 100-storey building reflects its royal title, with the domed roof and intricately designed ground level surrounding wall giving a gentle nod toward traditional palace design.
The Princess Tower, however, will stretch higher than any other palatial development, with the inclusion of 763 separate residential dwellings and a villa, which will take up the entirety of the 90th floor.
In what is becoming a trend in one of the world’s richest countries, eco-elements have been included into the monolithic structure. This includes an optimization of natural light and extensive ventilation. However, while solar gain is going to be a marked challenge for the designers who confirm that the building will run independently of air conditioning, though they have yet to reveal how they plan on achieving such a goal.
A focus on indoor/outdoor design means open corridors and operational windows will encourage regular airflow where possible, with lush plant life featured throughout the building.
Even given its enormity, the designers predict the building will run efficiently both in terms of its cost and energy use, a welcome change given the history of Dubai’s building industry.
In addition to the dwelling spaces, the building will also include swimming pools, a gymnasium, offices, retail space and a number of other facilities.
The building, on which construction is well underway, has an expected completion date of September, 2012.
Like all major developments in the UAE, all that remains is a waiting game to see whether the building meets its deadline and high expectations.
