Aurecon collaborates with Calatrava on new Dubai icon

Aurecon, global engineering advisory company, is collaborating with world-renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava on The Tower, a new icon in Dubai, UAE. Work on the new structure – set to become one of the world’s most recognisable buildings – has started in Dubai. The supertall skyscraper will be the focal point of a major new development that will transform the Dubai Creek Harbour area into one of the most desirable residential and leisure destinations in the world. Santiago Calatrava, who is leading its design and engineering work, has chosen Aurecon as the engineer/architect-of-record to collaborate with on a range of design and technical features for the ambitious project, a statement said. Adrian Jones, Aurecon’s project director for The Tower, said: “The Calatrava team were looking to work directly with our experts who have had hands-on project experience on other supertall and similar mega projects. Not only were they assured of such a working arrangement, they were further impressed by our open, flexible and collaborative approach.” “The Tower will test the craftsmanship of Aurecon as we play our part in making a mark on the built fabric of mankind,” Jones said. “It is an absolute privilege to be entrusted by Santiago Calatrava and Emaar Properties to work on this project, and we have assembled a stellar team to bring this idea to life.” The supertall building’s striking design includes a distinctive net of steel cable stays that attach to a central reinforced concrete column that will reach into the skies. At the top of the tower is an oval-shaped bud that will house 10 observation decks, including The Pinnacle Room, which will offer unprecedented, 360-degree views of the city and beyond. It will also serve as a beacon of light at night, with a lighting system that will evoke the features of a flower bud, as it seemingly hovers atop the structure. The high-profile project was unveiled to the world at a launch ceremony by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Announcing the launch was Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, the Dubai-based company that commissioned the project, who hoped The Tower would encapsulate the spirit of Dubai. A towering team Design work for the project is already under way. Timing is one of the biggest challenges on the project and will call for close collaboration from all stakeholders. The ambitious project must be completed in a period of approximately four years, so creating an efficient design and construction schedule will be vital. Aurecon has assembled its top global experts to contribute to the project, with work being led by the company’s Middle East office with input from offices in Africa, Asia and Australia. Dr Andy Davids, Aurecon’s tall buildings leader, who serves as Aurecon’s director of design on the project, said that optimising proven techniques and materials is fundamental to the project’s success. The iconic Calatrava design was selected from six proposals that were submitted by top global architectural firms. It is influenced by the natural forms of the lily, evoking the shape of a minaret - a distinctive architectural feature in Islamic culture. It combines modern, sustainable design with the rich culture and heritage of the UAE. Calatrava has designed the tower with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, including a highly-efficient cooling system to mitigate the region’s hot climate. The water collected from this system will also clean the structure’s facade, for example. Elegant landscaping and vegetation on and around the tower will encourage solar protection. An integrated shading system and wing doors will also contribute to its energy efficiency. Among the various decks within The Tower are two VIP observation garden decks that will recreate the splendour of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The building will also include numerous balconies that rotate outside the facade of the tower, an exclusive boutique hotel, and several event spaces. At ground level, The Tower’s Central Plaza will serve as a bustling neighbourhood centre, with world-class retail stores, a museum, educational facilities and an indoor auditorium. The Tower is scheduled to open in mid-2020 to celebrate the start of Expo 2020 in Dubai.