Architects propose to encircle Burj Khalifa with a giant megastructure

ZN Era, a Dubai-based architecture firm, has offered a futuristic solution for the tallest building in the world. The studio has released images for a 550-meters (1,804-feet) tall structure that will sit on five pillars embedded into the ground and wrap around Burj Khalifa. 

The new project, known as Downtown Circle, will include residential, commercial, and public spaces. According to the ZN Era, this megastructure offers an alternative to traditional high-rise buildings. The company believes that Downtown Circle will tackle the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with the fast growth of the Dubai population. 

The giant circle has a diameter of 3,000 meters. Downtown Circle consists of two main rings tied together via a green belt – the “Skypark”. The Skypark is designed to bring residents closer to nature. It will include trees, flowers, dunes, waterfalls, swamps, and canyons. The indoor space will also offer a variety of housing types: from lofts to townhouses, as well as offices and research centers. 

“As a response to the dilemma of how to build densely while retaining liveability, the downtown circle project establishes a sustainable and a self sufficient vertical urbanism,” the studio said. 

Residents of Downtown Circle will commute through the structure using peripheral pods that can travel at a speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour, ArchDaily reports. Each of these pods can transport up to 20 passengers. In addition, the project also plans to utilize solar power and include areas for rainwater harvesting.   

“As a singular mega building complex, it aims to create a hyper efficient urban center that gives back to the environment. The proposed 550 meter tall mega structure offers an alternative to the singular and unconnected high-rises found in most metropolitan areas,” ZN Era said. 

Resources:

“ZN Era proposes encircling Burj Khalifa with an elevated "continuous metropolis",” by Alice Finney (Dezeen, 2022)

“A Giant Ring-Like Structure is Proposed to Encircle Dubai's Burj Khalifa,” by Dima Stouhi (ArchDaily, 2022)

“Encircling the Burj Khalifa high up in the sky, Dubai architects propose a massive 'gated community' megastructure,” by Josh Niland (Architect News, 2022)