Burj Khalifa, Modern skyscraper in Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Burj Khalifa is a 2,717-foot (828-meter) tower in Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with three wings that spiral upward from a central core and narrow as they climb. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels cover the exterior, held by aluminum and stainless steel frames built to withstand temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) and desert sandstorms.
Architect Adrian Smith began early designs in 2003, and excavation started the following year after favorable economic forecasts. The 2008 financial crisis threatened the project, prompting Abu Dhabi to provide emergency funding that kept construction moving.
Offices, residences, and the Armani Hotel share a complex where thousands live and work each day. Visitors from across the region gather around the base to take photographs and stroll through the surrounding shopping corridors.
The Red Line metro reaches Dubai Mall station, connected by pedestrian bridge to the entrance. Avoid midday visits in summer when outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) and make later exploration uncomfortable.
A condensation collection system harvests moisture from air conditioning units throughout the building, recovering around 4 million gallons (15 million liters) each year. This recycled water supplies irrigation for landscaping around the base and reduces reliance on desalinated municipal sources.
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Photo license: GFDL
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