Dubai Architects Propose a Giant Ring to Encircle Burj Khalifa

• September 22nd, 2022

The structure would have a 3-kilometre circumference supported by five massive pillars.

Dubai-based architecture firm co-founders have developed a seminal design that will transform the city’s skyline.

The proposed design would encircle Downtown Dubai and the entirety of the Burj Khalifa in a massive 500-meter-high ring called the Downtown Circle. The perimeter of the structure will be three kilometers.

Designed by Znera Space’s; Najmus Chowdhry and Nils Remess; The artist’s rendering of the striking design gave the Downtown Area and the Burj Khalifa a transformative appeal.

Zenera Space Architects is a group that designs structures with a focus on experimental designs that address socio-economic and environmental issues. The system will be divided into smaller units with public, private and commercial spaces and will be self-supporting and self-sustaining.

Chowdhry explained, “As we see with The Line in Neom, Saudi Arabia, the Downtown circle is meant to stir excitement among design observers. We want it to start a conversation about modern architectural possibilities.” The pair created the design in the midst of the pandemic, challenging the idea of how we live in cities, especially skyscrapers.

Asked if the infrastructure is scalable, without elaborating on how much a project like Circle would cost to build, Chowdhry said: “It will take time, a lot of manpower, a lot of resources, and a project like this will take time, a lot of time to build and engineering”.

The ring will be supported by five vertical beams or columns 500 meters high. The circle itself will be made up of two main rings connected by a continuous green belt called a Skypark.

Various natural settings and climates are continuously recreated within the Skypark, predicting a vibrant journey for visitors and residents alike, Znera Spaces on its Instagram page.

Additionally, a fleet of suspended peripheral pods will move passengers from node to node in the Downtown Circle.

Chowdhry said; The suspended ships travel through a network of rails at lower levels to reach their destinations. Delivery services will operate a specialized drone platform.

The Downtown Circle design was originally an entry in a design competition started by the Dubai Future Foundation.

Almost 2 years ago we submitted the final design and were told that our design had been selected. However, we have decided to publish the artwork since hearing from them, he explained.

We tried hard to push the boundaries using architecture as a vehicle, Chowdhury said. Both also believe that engaging and demonstrating competitive designs is essential for the next phase of planning development. He said, When Covid-19 hit, we thought about how our mobility was cut off and the need for a more sustainable structure.

Source: Khaleej Times