Cool Architecture
Future Rotating Skyscraper in Dubai
It seems like everyone has an opinion on revolving restaurants like 360 at the CN Tower - cool way to see the city versus tourist trap. Imagine, though, if every floor of your building turned, some floors on command! Your view would constantly be changing and there would be no need to envy your neighbour’s unobstructed sightlines anymore. Cool, huh? This will soon be a reality in Dubai. Here’s the info from Associated Press:
An Italian architect said he is poised to start construction on a new skyscraper in Dubai that will be “the world’s first building in motion,” an 80-story tower with revolving floors that give it an ever-shifting shape.
The spinning floors, hung like rings around an immobile cement core, would offer residents a constantly changing view of the Persian Gulf and the city’s futuristic skyline.
A few penthouse villas would spin on command using a voice-activated computer. The motion of the rest of the building would be choreographed in patterns that could be altered over time.
What’s the coolest architecture you’ve ever visited? Was the building still functional or just pretty to look at? Have your say by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link at the bottom. Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is ROTATETHIS. It’s valid until June 27th.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
A similar Shaped building is coming to Mississauga (Burnamthorpe & Hurontario Streets by Square One - no rotating floors though)..
I wonder how Rotating floors works with the stability of the building.
Dubai is building many cool buildings these days, Vegas has been sleeping at the wheel … this is the fun stuff you think you would see in Vegas - right ?? …hmmmm, Dubai - the new adult playground ?
Carly’s Note: You’re right. There seems to be a lot of innovation in Dubai. I’m sure it’s a beautiful place to visit - just don’t get in trouble with the law!
June 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Hi Carly,
I don’t get it:an Italian architect has to go all the way to Dubai to design this revolving wonder? Why not do this in his own country with all of the magnificant views Italy offers…
The 8th wonder of the world!
Carly’s Note: Good point about the beautiful views in Italy. I think the fact that the tower is being built in Dubai has more to do with money - I get the impression there’s no lack of it there.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Revolving condos? Sounds too much like bed spins to me. No thanks!
Carly’s Note: Oh Skippy, it doesn’t spin that fast! You hardly notice it at all - until there’s a mechanical malfunction and you’re rotating like a whirling dervish.
June 26th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Hi Carly,
We used to go to Niagara Falls a lot many years ago and would have breakfast at the Flying Saucer restaurant which was painted silver and actually was designed as a flying saucer. As corny as it looked it had great breakfasts and was very reasonably priced too!
Niagara Falls had the cheaper, tackier places and then we would stay in a nice B&B in Niagara-by-the-Lake for something a bit more stylish. A good combination for sure and close enough to Toronto too.
Have a great day.
Carly’s Note: I’ve had a breakfast or two at the Flying Saucer. It did feel like a spaceship. I only wish I could have experienced it as a child.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I always think that the Rogers Centre (nee SkyDome) is one of the coolest looking places in terms of architecture. It’s moving art when a roof of that size is open and they have to close it, or vice versa. I only wish the roof had glass panels so that the Jays and Argos could still play under the sky, rather than under a roof.
Carly’s Note: Glass panels would be cool! You should have been an architect, Art Vandalay.