What Affected on a Design of Burj Khalifa

During the 1920’s an artist by the name of Frank Lloyd Write proposed a design for a massive skyscraper building to be crafted in Illinois. Although this building was just theory and never came to actualization, it became a major influence to Adrian Smith, the main architect involved with the design and build of the world’s largest tower the Burj Khalifa. Write desired to create this building for various reasons, one to bring a cultural and social location for people to surround. During this era, Write was unsuccessful with his proposal, primarily due to little interest in these ideas.

However, the architects of Burj Khalifa picked up right were Write left off, only in a foreign country and some minimal alterations to the construct and purpose of the building. Within this paper I aim to provide insight on how this proposed skyscraper inevitably influenced the Burj Khalifa design, and how some cultural aspects define differences amongst the two. Architecture of this building was mainly influenced by this design for Chicago, however, there were other influences from other regional areas as well. Much thought and consideration was provided to craft the world’s tallest building.

There has certainly been some degree of doubt that Writes model is not responsible for the design of the Burj Khalifa that is in Dubai, UAE. However, after crafting much research and looking at the proposed model. It is easy to conclude that many components are similar or the same. The design in Writes original model included a foundation with a large column. It was shaped differently than most modern buildings of the time. He had hoped to define space in a way that wasn’t typically done with architecture. The columns of this building were molded as an introverted tripod. All of which were bound deeply in the ground, including cantilevered floors. Write was quite involved with environmental designs that were as organic as possible. Which helps explain why he designed this building to somewhat have the system of a tree, with its trunk and branches (Mandour,2009).

As stated previously, this Illinois building never had the ability to be built. However, Write had planned out each component of this building in great detail. This illustrates his passion and desire in architecture and art alike. For the inside design of this building, he had anticipated a tinted gold metal which would façade; to highlight angular backgrounds such as balconies and special Plexiglas which enabled window glazing. Mechanical systems were to shelter within empty cantilevered beams. These designs were quite futuristic during the 1920’s, especially his proposed elevator systems, that would be both automatic and have the capacity to hold nearly 100 people at a time. Write had great confidence that this building would be possible for construct during this time, although there was a lot of criticism and doubt. Even though it was not necessarily built, it was responsible for much of the design aspects of the Burj Khalifa (Mandour,2009).

It’s difficult to understand how anyone can claim that these two designs are not dependent on each other. Although, few different are enclosed, the major of these is the fact that the Burj Khalifa was constructed nearly fifty years after Write’s proposed architectural construct. Unbuild skyscrapers account for the majority, and tend to gain much momentum as being the best, however, much attention is taken from the ones who make it to complete build. In these cases, though, both the build and unbuild should be awarded in these efforts (Mandour,2009). The Burj Khalifa mimics nearly all of the implications outlined by Writes building ideas. Just as the Illinois building, the Burj Khalifa also has a tree like built and system throughout it. The pillars are deep within the ground, however environmental concern was not of the plan for this enormous building in Dubai(Bedell,2010).

According to the official website for Burj Khalifa: The superstructure is supported by a large reinforced concrete mat, which is in turn supported by bored reinforced concrete piles. The design was based on extensive geotechnical and seismic studies. The mat is 3.7 meters thick, and was constructed in four separate pours totaling 12,500 cubic meters of concrete. The 1.5-meter diameter x 43-meter-long piles represent the largest and longest piles conventionally available in the region. A high density, low permeability concrete was used in the foundations, as well as a cathodic protection system under the mat, to minimize any detrimental effects form corrosive chemicals in local ground water” (BurjKhalifa.ar, 2017).

Major similarities are found within the exterior of this building when compared, but also with the interior design alike. The architects of the Burj Khalifa incorporated the same ornate and impressive inside design as well. Reflective glazing was one suggestion by Write that was also a huge key in the world tallest building as well. Aluminum and texturized steels that are stainless comprise many panels and tubular fins. There are nearly 26,000 glass panels, and each were individually designed and cut (BurjKhalifa.ae, 2017). Although no figures were given on the exact amount of these for the design posited by Write, we can conclude by the framework that he would have crafted something much similar in size and scale (Bedell,2010). Many components were also imported from China and other countries alike, sole responsibility for this building is illogical, for it was the efforts of many.

An interesting fact I found on the clad design of the Burj Khalifa, that is not consistent with the previous model drafted by Write , is found in this system. For anyone who has visited Dubai, especially during summer months, there is one conclusion that will be consistent amongst all persons. And that is the extreme heat, which is why the architects of the Burj Khalifa designed the proper construct that can withstand these high temperatures. These clads can withstand such high temperatures, and to ensure this a World War 2 airplane engine was utilized for both wind and water testing. Burj Khalifa’s curtain wall meets the equivalent to nearly 25 American football fields. Due to the climate and temperatures in Illinois, these aspects were not quite needed. These ideas were specific to the Burj Khalifa, because the temperatures in Dubai can sometimes reach over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialized measures must be taken when considering such constructs (BurjKhalifa.ae,2017).

Even the purpose of each crafted design was consistent with each other. As explained above, Write wanted to create a cultural and social building. Although, not anyone can enter the Burj Khalifa, for those who live or stay there, they are granted several amenities, and the building is still a cultural landmark nonetheless. Even without access into the building, many tourists are attracted to the outside of the building. It is built very close to the Dubai mall which has a water display for those nearby. During these water shows, one can either stand around, or ride a boat, the Burj Khalifa is the focus of this, and wonderful sites are all around. I have personally attended this show, and have not a single complaint about what I have witnessed. Inside the walls of this mysterious building, one will find the highest pool and mosque. Since the majority of people are Muslim in this country, the culture interwinds within this building. To say the least, one does not need to enter the doors of the Burj Khalifa to appreciate its beauty and the patience association with its build (Mandour,2009).

As explained earlier in this paper, there were certainly other influences on the design of both the interior and exterior of this building. Some other influences included minarets and desert flowers (Bedell,2010). To the average person, a minaret is an unfamiliar word, however, Muslims, such as myself are aware of these terms. A minaret is a component of typical Mosques. More specifically, the tower from which the morning prayers are announced. This design was implemented within the Burj Khalifa to exemplify its religious and cultural components. Although this may only be a minor influence within the whole realm of things, it is noteworthy due to the importance of it. Most people are unaware of this influence because it is not mentioned nearly as much as Writes.

Egyptian designs are also quite popular in the Burj Khalifa and surrounding areas alike. Not to mention the number of Egyptian immigrants working and living in Dubai. Many people come from Egypt to escape its bad economy and find relief in Dubai. This explains why there are many Egyptian flowers found inside and outside this huge infrastructure. During many holidays and events specific to Muslim based countries, such as Dubai, flags and other region-specific ideas are shown on the outside of this building. Dubai is proud of its heritage in Easter roots, despite its modernization and American influences (Bedell,2010).

As we can conclude, most influence on the design of this building can be awarded to Write’s proposed actions for his version of Sky-City. These ideas prompted the building which manifests all Writes dreams. That is to have the tallest building, formatted just as so, which would allocate social and cultural entities. I believe that if it was not for Write, the Burj Khalifa would be a lot different and I’m sure it would be for the worse. Many people travel to Dubai for several reasons, however, all are attracted to the majestic Burj Khalifa. It is one of the most visited buildings in the world.