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"Another luxury skyscraper in Dubai?" "Ho hum," you say?
This 80-story tower has a unique twist that sets it apart from the rest. Dubbed "the world's first building in motion," the Dynamic Tower is the first revolving skyscraper of its kind. In fact, Time Magazine lists it among "The Best Inventions of the Year for 2008."
Designed by award-winning architect David Fisher, the concept is not revolutionary, especially if you've ever been to a revolving restaurant. However, in this version, each floor turns at its own speed and in its own direction. Computer renderings of the building depict parts of it appearing compressed as it morphs itself into ever changing shapes.
The revolutions are so gradual that you can't feel the turning, but everytime you glance out the window, the view is slightly different. Residents will experience sunrise and sunset through he same window and will have the ability to change their balcony gardens throughout the day to take advantage of the sunlight.
Even in these tough times, Mr. Fisher had no problem obtaining financing for the project which included a group of private investors from North America. Apartments will range in price from $3 million to $30 million with over 100 applications already received.
The tower tapers from 13,000 square feet on the ground to 10,000 square feet at the top. Mr. Fisher claims that construction will be faster and cheaper than most high rises. The outside of the structure is composed of 40 factory-built modules that come equipped with wiring, plumbing, customized furnishings, kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
A crane is used to assemble a hollow, concrete column running up the middle of the tower. This column will act as conduit for all the wiring, plumbing and elevators. The modules will be assembled around this core and hauled up with cables. This is not groundbreaking technology, but instead based on the system for refueling airplanes in mid-flight. Each floor will have its own connection for clean water and another for waste.
In a normal high rise you might be looking at a work force of at least 2000 workers and construction time of about 4 years. For this project, Fisher estimates about 20 workers needed with a completion date of less than 2 years. Reduced man-hours also saves on potential risk of accidents which in turn lowers insurance costs. In addition, most builders will agree that pre-fabricated construction is most effective. All the components are built under ideal conditions in a climate controlled environment.
Not just a pretty face, this building will also set an example for eco-construction. Power will be stored from roof top panels collecting heat from the sunlight, and turbines gathering power from the wind. True to its name, Mr. Fisher claims the Dynamic Tower will likely produce more power than it utilizes, which in turn will be sold to neighboring buildings.
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