SWA and the world’s tallest building *UPDATE*

SWA group designed the 27 acres around the base of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The San Francisco Chronicle has a quick interview with John Wong of SWA about the project and its design.

Read the interview at the [SOURCE: San Francisco Chronicle - Sausalito group creates oasis at Burj Khalifa]

Related Article – Dubai City Guide  – 11 Hectare Green Oasis Envelops the foot of Burj Dubai

As part of Burj Dubai’s ‘green’ initiative, the landscaping is irrigated using a unique condensate collection system. Water condensate from the tower’s cooling equipment is recovered, providing an estimated 15 million gallons of water a year, enough to fill 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

[SOURCE: Dubai City Guide  - 11 Hectare Green Oasis Envelops the foot of Burj Dubai]

World’s tallest building opens *UPDATE*

Burj Dubai - Opened Jan 4

The building previously known as Burj Dubai is now open and it has new name of Burj Khalifa named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE. The height has been confirmed as 828 meters, 200 stories into the sky, exceeding the next highest structure, Taipei 101, by about 300m.

From the 124th floor observation deck of the tower, viewers can see 80 kilometers on a clear day.

[SOURCE: The National - Burj Khalifa a 'name to reflect greatness]

[SOURCE: Shanghai Daily - Embattled Dubai fulfils tallest order]
[IMAGE SOURCE: Flickr - Joi]

RELATED STORY – 57 of 100 worlds tallest buildings are in Asia – Times of India

View the pictures of the Burj Khalifa opening