Although there isn’t a shortage of striking architecture in Dubai, if it were to be built, ZNera Space’s idea would definitely capture people’s attention. The company plans to surround the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, with a massive circular mixed-use complex called the Downtown Circle that would raise a brand-new neighbourhood to an astonishing height of 550 m. (roughly 1,800 ft)
Despite the Burj Khalifa being far taller (829.8 m), the Downtown Circle would rank among the world’s highest structures due to its height (2,723 ft). It would have a five-story interior and a radius of 3,000 metres (about 9,800 feet). Offices, stores, places of worship, and residences would be housed in these, which would be divided into two rings. There would be a “Skypark” that offers substantial and varied green space between the two rings.
“Swamps, waterfalls and tropical vegetation or the digital caves, cascades, fruit-trees and flowers of various hues and species together enrich the green eco system,” explained ZNera Space. “As a green lung, the Skypark seeks to replenish the air with oxygen and intends to incorporate a series of activities and research centers. The Skypark is integrated with offices, research zones, culture, science, and education and this spatial hybrid forms a new type of contemporary symbol for the city: a green and natural landmark – a refreshing and exciting stage for people to interact, experience and learn in contact with nature.”
We know that guests would move around the Downtown Circle using some sort of railway system that would go at speeds of up to 100 km/h, however ZNera Space doesn’t delve into the specifics of how the building would operate (62 mph). The building’s grid demand would also be reduced by an undisclosed number of solar panels, and rainwater collection devices would be included.
The Downtown Circle is very much in the conceptual stage, and unlike the similarly ambitious plan to develop a 170-km (105-mile)-long city in the desert in Saudi Arabia, it has no government backing, so it’s better considered food-for-thought for the time being. Nevertheless, we’d reluctant to rule out even the craziest architectural concepts when it comes to Dubai.
