The Burj Al Arab
Dubai, UAE
Introduction
With a long established and proven track record as a major consultant in the Gulf region, Atkins was approached by a key client in the early 90s to design and deliver a unique project – an iconic hotel that would be instantly recognized as an architectural icon. What followed was five years of design and build activity resulting in a technically challenging, aesthetic masterpiece that has thrust Dubai forward onto the world stage and, even today, stands as a measure of excellence and innovation.
Our Approach
To win the commission we had to prove that our concept design was going to deliver a building with an identity commensurate with the aspirations of a leading developing regional economy, guided by a ruler with vision and ambition for even greater things to come. Tough questions had to answered: What makes a building iconic? What will truly reflect not only Dubai’s heritage, but also Dubai’s forward thinking and modern ambitions? We wanted to create a building that would match the rate of buoyant expansion and stylish culture synonymous with Dubai.
The defining criteria for an international icon were deemed to be style and uniqueness of form which would made a bold statement and be instantly recognizable. This had to be tempered against the demanding specification to deliver a building that not only aesthetically, but technically could stand the test of time. Dubai’s seafaring history played an inspirational part in the design concept, but it was left to the creative talent of our architects and engineers to devise a solution that delivered a structure matching all these requirements.
Our Solution
In drawing upon Dubai’s nautical past, our concept solution was based on a large sail – that of a modern high tech spinnaker of a J Class Yacht. With client approval of this innovative concept in empathy with the nation’s seafaring origins we began the design and delivery of the 321m tall structure with a dedicated multidisciplinary team based in Dubai. Imposingly set on a man made island 300m out to sea, the first challenges were to assess the impact of such a feature on the existing shoreline and to develop a solution for the construction within a confined cofferdam. We incorporated concrete armour units which present a sloping surface to the sea to absorb wave impact without throwing water onto the island.
A steelwork exoskeleton, with trusses as long as 85m provides wind bracing and defines the building’s dramatic triangular shape. The sail theme is continued in the unique geometric double skinned fabric wall which insulates the building from solar gain as well as allowing diffused natural light to the interior. Encapsulated behind this is one of the most defining elements of the building – a 182m high atrium, the tallest in the world, which sets the internal ambience of the duplex-floored interior.
Our concept and structural designs set the precedent for what was expected to be delivered within the interior of the building. In accomplishing this, the material specification for the hotel interiors is unparalleled in its quality: the same marble as that used by Michelangelo to create his sculpture of David and 8,000 square metres of 22 carat gold leaf integrated into the interior design are but a few examples. Hidden form the casual observer are some of the most sophisticated system technologies in the electromechanical designs which ensure the fastest lifts and a level of guest service facilities that remain uncontested anywhere else in the world.
Commensurate with the innovation within the building, there were also several water and lighting effects that were incorporated into the design to ensure that The Burj Al Arab’s aesthetics were as stunning as it’s architectural design. These include an animated display of water and fire which greets guests at the entrance and an internal atrium water sculpture composed of fibre optic lit water arches complimeted by a 50m high water shooter.
Outcomes
As of today, The Burj Al Arab still holds the record for being The Tallest All Suite Hotel in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). It has gained international media exposure throughout the world, forming a backdrop for innumerable global events and has been featured in the National Geographic TV Series ‘Megastructures’. Most importantly, because of the performance of our designers, project managers and other professionals associated with its delivery, the Atkins name is now synonymous with internationally acclaimed artchitecure and design, delivered in a very challenging environment to a most discerning client. It has been one of the springboards for our current reputation as a designer of excellence and has established a platform from which numerous high profile commissions have followed.