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Dubai Skyscraper Tops 'Tallest Building' Record
The developers of an incomplete skyscraper in Dubai, Emaar Properties, have claimed, even at this stage, that is is the tallest building in the world. When construction is finished, Burj Dubai is expected to stand at 692 metres, or 2,275 feet. To date, it has reached an altitude of 512 metres (1,680 feet), and so far comprises 141 storeys. The current tallest building title is owned by Taipei 101 - located in Taiwan - and which towers over its peers at 508 metres (1,667 feet).
Some degree of contention is apparent where these kind of records relating to height are concerned; factors debated including what forms of structure should be considered when discussing the term 'building', and also whether the height measured should account for antennae, masts, etc, located atop the structure.
After it has been fully constructed, the expectation is that Burj Dubai will meet four of the criteria laid down by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. These are:
- The height of the structural peak of the building
- The highest floor to be occupied
- The height at the top of the roof
- The height of the spire (from the ground)
If Burj Dubai exceeds existing structures in these regards, then it would definitely be classed as the tallest structure on a global basis.
In order for them to be considered buildings, structures must have floors/walls running up their length. Burj Dubai, therefore, while already the tallest building, will potentially also break the height record in relation to man-made structures, which do not have traditional floors, etc. This record title is presently owned by the KVLY-TV mast, located in North Dakota. Albeit assisted by wires, the mast tops its contemporaries - rising to 628 metres (2,072 feet).
Once finished, it is thought that Burj Dubia will comprise of at least 160 floors. Additionally, its construction will include 56 elevators, swimming pools, spas, shops and apartments. A viewing facility will be in place on the 124th level.
Highlighting the significance of the skyscraper - within the contexts of both the construction industry, and its geographical placement - Emaar Properties' Project Director, Greg Sang, described it as "a symbol of Dubai as a city of the world". He continued: "It's a fact of life that, at some point, someone else will build a taller building. There's a lot of talk of other tall buildings, but five years into Burj Dubai's construction, no one's started building them yet."
The firm's chairman, Mohammed Ali Alabbar, echoed Mr Sang's sentiments, stating: "It's a human achievement without equal."
Historically, the title of the world's tallest building has been held by a number of structures. These include the Sears Tower in Chicago, the Empire State Building and the Malaysian-based Petronas Towers.
Source - Construction International Newsdesk