BURJ AL ARAB CASE STUDY 4
ARCHITECT: LOCATION: COMPLETED: HEIGHT: FLOOR COUNT:
38
Tom Wright Dubai, UAE 1999 1056’ (322m) 60
The Burj al-Arab is a five star luxury hotel location off the coast of Dubai and connected by a private bridge. The building sits on an artificially constructed island .2 miles off shore in the Arabian Gulf. The foundation of the building was an enormous undertaking in order to create suitable ground for a high rise in an area completely surrounded by 25 feet deep water. This portion of the project took over three years to construct. A stand alone structure located on water subjects itself to the forces of nature to a much higher degree. Waves, wind and sun exposure were magnified by the vulnerable characteristics of the constructed site. The island itself is a 500 foot wide prism comprised of 70,000 cubic meters of concrete that rises 23 feet above sea level with piled foundations embedded deep into the sand to increase friction for stabilization. The concept to a fully constructed site on water and the characteristics brought with it have provided a uniquely extreme case for exploration. The tower was designed to resist winds of over 100 mph and this can be attributed both literally and figuratively to its shape. Its profile plays homage to the nautical culture of Dubai by imitating the shape of a dhow sail. The arrangement of ON WATER
BURJ AL ARAB