|
|
|
| Sunday, 18 December 2005 |
 |
|
 |
World |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Kuwait aims sky-high London: At more than a kilometre high, it is about to become the world's tallest building. Set at the heart of a new multi-billion pound Arabian city, the 250-storey tower would form the centrepiece of a development that the Kuwaiti Government hopes will establish it as a serious global player. London based architect Eric Kuhne & Associate, the firm behind Bluewater shopping centre in Kent-the largest in Europe is in talks with Kuwait Government officials over the project, according to a report published in the Architects' Journal. The 1,001 m tower will form the centrepiece of the Madinat Al-Hareer, or 'City of silk', that would house 700,000 people. Kuhne claims constructing the city and its infrastructure including four ports-would cost $150 bn and take 25 years. The next highest building in the world is the Burj Dubai, the landmark tower in the Middle Eastern tourist hotspot designed by US architect Skidmore Owings and Merrill. Still under construction, its height is likely to be between 700 and 800 m when it is completed in 2008. The tallest completed building is Taipei 101, in Taiwan, which measures 509m. The concept for the new city, Kuhne has told the government decision-makers, will combine Arabic philosophy, culture and politics for the first time, to attract interest from across the region. "You could fit 30 Ebbsfleet Valleys into this city", he said. "It will become the manifestation of 2,000 years of Arabic heritage." It is hoped that the proposals, when complete, will enable the country to bid for the Olympic games, and 'awaken a new entrepreneurial class' for Kuwait. It will also provide a startling landmark and an instantly recognisable skyline for the area. Other plans being mooted for the city include a wildlife sanctuary that would function as a 'stop-off' for birds migrating across the region, and an international centre for studying chronic diseases. Engineering expert at tall buildings specialists Arup, Bob Lang, said: 'The issues with buildings of this height now are the same as they were at the turn of the last century-how you move people up and down the building, and how strong your materials are. 'If these criteria are fulfilled then there's no reason why you can't build super-high." Mohsen Zikri, a skyscraper expert also with Arup, says such an immensely tall building would pose extraordinary challenges for its designers. Canada's No. 1 architectural landmark, The CN Tower is also facing an imminent end to its reign as the world's greatest vertical mega project. (Courtesy- Kuwait Times) |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
