Massive Ring-Shaped Structure Could Encircle Dubai’s Burj Khalifa

The design for the Burj Khalifa combines local cultural influences with cutting-edge technology to achieve high performance in an extreme desert climate. As the centerpiece of a mixed-use development, the 162-story tower contains offices, retail space, residential units, and an Armani Hotel. The Y-shaped floor plan maximizes views of the Arabian Gulf. At ground level, the skyscraper is surrounded by green space, water features, and pedestrian-friendly boulevards.