DUBAI | Dubai Pearl | 984 FT / 300 M | 73 FLOORS | ON HOLD

[Fabb]

http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/dubai/asas.jpg

Nice video at the offcial site (http://www.dubaipearl.com/)

I'm not sure if it's only a proposal or if it's alreay under construction, but it seems like it's going to be one huge building.

The project, located within the Dubai Media and Technology Free Zone (TECOM) overlooking Palm Jumeirah, will be developed with a built up area of more than 15 million square feet.

[M II A II R II K]

That's certainly different, but then again that's the case for most things that come out of Dubai.

[Dequal]

As I see on renders or master plans of the Palm Jumeirah and surroundings, there is no building planned at the foot of the Palm.

But this is Dubai, so this can have been changed already... ^^

[smussuw]

^^ This is Dubai Pearl and it is not part of the palm.

[Dequal]

^^ This is Dubai Pearl and it is not part of the palm.

This building is placed at the foot of the Palm. So that's the surroundings of the Palm, isn't it?

[smussuw]

^^ If u mean part of the palm by saying surrounding then what ur saying is wrong, the surrounding is Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and the Knowledge Village. The palm starts from the beach !

[detmi7mile]

hmmm...I don't hate it. It's different.

[malec]

Leighton JV wins $2.4 bln UAE construction deal
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSLQ32563320081126

DUBAI, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Dubai-based developer Pearl Dubai said on Wednesday it has awarded a $2.4 billion construction contract to a United Arab Emirates joint venture of Australia's Leighton Holdings (LEI.AX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

"Pearl Dubai ... has awarded an 8.85 billion dirhams ($2.41 billion) main contract for the construction of its Dubai Pearl project, to the Al Habtoor-Leighton Group," Pearl Dubai said.

The statement did not say who the other competitors for the project were.

"While these are challenging times, Dubai Pearl's confidence in the robustness of Dubai's real estate sector remains high," said Abdul-Majeed al-Fahim, Pearl Dubai chairman, in the statement.

Mohamed Alabbar, a Dubai government official and chairman of Emaar Properties EMAR.DU said on Monday the emirate will pull back on its building spree because of the financial crisis.

Pearl Dubai said the deal was the largest single contract of its kind in the Gulf Arab region. Construction is due to begin in January 2009.

The Pearl Dubai development will cover more than 15 million square feet (1.39 million square metres), including four 73-storey towers and a hotel. (Dubai newsroom)

http://i36.tinypic.com/339t4id.jpg





And also a construction picture from about a month ago. Taken from flickr:

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7792/pearlig0.jpg

[youngregina]

Thats a beautiful structure. It's so serene and crisp. i love it:)

[Aleks]

I agree! That box on the bottom looks pretty cool. Definitely one of the best Dubai structures I've seen.

[malec]

This is actually 300m. The source is emporis and also www.ctbuh.org who usually have good sources for their heights.

A lot of work has been done here and this could well become a reality. This is probably the biggest single project in Dubai now.

Updates:

18/September/2009

Dubai Pearl

http://i25.tinypic.com/291ghom.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/2qx5j7a.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/k4e1r4.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/312v6fd.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2qsv0b4.jpg


Also some concrete pouring from the developer's website.

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/newsletter/031009/ntrp.jpg

[Aleks]

Wow, this site is going to be busy busy in a couple months. I wish more buildings like this were built in Dubai, simple, elegant, original. We would see amazing buildings. Too bad the Dubai Towers are on hold :(

[uaarkson]

This building will be absolutely enormous.

[MapleLeaf]

This will be a big bastard. :whip:

The first rendering looks kinda ugly but the second one at night is way nicer. :tup:

[ZZ-II]

damn, 300m...crazy :)

[morphosis]

i think it is the most interesting building in dubai since the index.
sober, refined, and resolutely modern, this is way better than the ugly neo classical and neo islamic pastiche of the marina.:yuck:

[malec]

I don't think this is pretty at all but it will surely be impressive.


Pictures of a model of this.

11/October/2009

Dubai Pearl

model pics from the Bur Juman

http://i33.tinypic.com/2lvzq0o.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/n0uu.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2qjhac6.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/sq1kld.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/33c6gy8.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2ptoxmu.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/ixz79u.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/fa2920.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/243iw75.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2yvpd7a.jpg

11/October/2009

Dubai Pearl

http://i38.tinypic.com/2di3byq.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2n69bi0.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2q20f8z.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/iml30p.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/16lcxw1.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/s4yijk.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/33p5xz7.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/tz89l.jpg

[JDRCRASH]

I actually like the design.

[JManc]

a supertall as wide as it is tall makes for a pretty massive structure. probably the biggest in the world.

[Aleks]

What do you mean by biggest? Biggest single structure [in skyscraper form]? Biggest in square footage? Biggest in cubic feet/meters? Isn't [are] the Albraj At-Bait Towers technically the biggest in the world? By square footage I mean. And technically both complexes are made up of several towers so it's hard to define what makes what bigger. Ahh! You made me think!

Anyways, I hate the tacky Dubai models. God, why can't they make a decent, good looking model with a lot of quality. It looks like they added some palm and car toys. I also don't like what's on top of the podium. I like some ideas like the wave pool, that's cool. Bur the layout seems so messy and horrific. IMO they should remove that ugly fountain.

[Crush_Buds]

He probably means square footage. And by the looks of it the Abraj-al-Bait in Mecca will be much larger.

[WonderlandPark]

I also think the Abraj-al-Bait will probably take the largest building in the world by square footage, but this may be second, if you can count it as one building. I am inclined to count it as one, both the top and bottoms are connected.

[RKO36]

Wow!! Dubai impresses again!! I really like this.

[Crush_Buds]

I also think the Abraj-al-Bait will probably take the largest building in the world by square footage, but this may be second, if you can count it as one building. I am inclined to count it as one, both the top and bottoms are connected.

Agreed. It looks like it would be really weird to live on any high floor where you can see a giant "roof" looming outside the window. Cool concept though.

[JACKinBeantown]

I'm gonna plead Thumper on this one.

[malec]

An update from yesterday

14/October/2009

Dubai Pearl

http://i36.tinypic.com/25pu5oz.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/15f2kgy.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/309nbdi.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/9hpdkw.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/343pz4y.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/1zegqwi.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/n5q2w9.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/e032ab.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/zx9t35.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2qs85ud.jpg

[malec]

From the 18th of October from the developer's website:


Tower 1:

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T1-jumpform.jpg

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T1-jumpform2.jpg


Tower 2:

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T-2-site.jpg


Tower 3:

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T-3-external(WEst)waterproofing.jpg


Tower 4:

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T-4-raft-in-progress.....jpg

[colemonkee]

A little off-topic, but those Chrysler knock-off twins in the background are just offensive. Good to see this building moving forward. For some reason the footprint doesn't look as big as I thought it would, but I'm sure it's a much more imposing size in person.

[Aleks]

Yeah, individually they don't look so big but the entire thing must be huge.

ps. you're right about those knock-off towers.

[malec]

From the end of October

From the Dubai Pearl website:

Tower 1

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/Tower-1-Jumpform-A-view.jpg

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T-1-Jump-form-shut....jpg


Tower 2

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T-2-north....jpg


Tower 4

http://dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T4%20rein..west_.jpg


:cheers:

[malec]

The last raft foundation has been poured.

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/Cranes-on-site.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T1-Jump-form.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T4--Raft.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T4-Raft-pour.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T4---Raft-pour-2.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T4-Raft-completed.jpg

[colemonkee]

Wow, in one of those photos I think I counted 10 concrete pumps.

[WonderlandPark]

Wow, in one of those photos I think I counted 10 concrete pumps.

I got 12. impressive

[Aleks]

omfg. This is one of those projects I thought would end up dead 2 months after excavation began.... and now... we have 12 concrete pumps for just one of the four towers.

---- you Dubai for being so awesome at being awesome!

[Indescribable]

Reminds me of the CCTV building in China.

[uaarkson]

If this thing is actually 300m it will be the undisputed largest skyscraper on earth.

[Crush_Buds]

:previous:

As I said earlier I still think by the looks of it the Abraj-al-Bait in Mecca will be much larger.

[malec]

Updates from Imre

24/November/2009

Dubai Pearl

http://i50.tinypic.com/119uyk5.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2ijjg2v.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2i78isw.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/m94ntg.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/8xtoa9.jpg

[PhxPavilion]

:previous:

As I said earlier I still think by the looks of it the Abraj-al-Bait in Mecca will be much larger.

Maybe, but this will be much better looking imo.

[Hoodrat]

Amazing project!

[Fabb]

I'm surprised that such a huge project made it to the U/C section.
It'll be fun to watch it rise.

[Ardvark]

So, any news what's going to be in those huge top floors?
A soccer pitch?
Or an indoor golf course, perhaps?

[malec]

I'm surprised that such a huge project made it to the U/C section.
It'll be fun to watch it rise.
I'm surprised too.

Anyway, this picture is a little late, a few days old but it's a good overview of the whole site.

http://i49.tinypic.com/zkpr48.jpg

[colemonkee]

The piles for the old tower design don't appear to line up exactly with the planned low and mid-rises to go on the perimeter of the site. I wonder if they'll remove them, or just saw them off at a certain depth and landscape over them.

[Aleks]

Hmmm.. can't see the picture...

But that's a good question ardvark... I'm gonna be mega-pissed if they don't install solar panels! :mad:

[Chelsea Spy]

most of the skyscrapers in dubai are very naff looking - this, however, is seriously stylish, a cutting edge modern design, elegant and distinctive. This is one Dubai mega project I actually hope they complete...

[malec]

Pictures from 3 days ago

10/December/2009

Dubai Pearl

http://i46.tinypic.com/35m07wm.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/dr75oy.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/16ise4g.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2pt5ks7.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/5162w8.jpg


10/December/2009

Dubai Pearl, good progress here

http://i48.tinypic.com/vphgqt.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/11kjgh1.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/20hq6c1.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2aadgux.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/ip15e8.jpg

[Dac150]

I’m quite baffled on how this one is moving forward considering its size; perhaps the company developing it is in good shape. Nonetheless it’s one of the more interesting projects I’ve seen come out of this city. A building like this in my mind achieves more of an iconic brand, as opposed to just building cookie cutters. Having this as sort of a ‘street divider’ as you’re driving off the Palm Island will make for one cool setting.

[Lecom]

Well, considering that they had money for this for a while - if you remember, they were reasonably far along with the previous design when they demolished what they started to make way for the current design. This project is not as recent as it may seem.

Will the project be accessible by foot at all, or is it only accessible by car?

[malec]

Am still not completely sure about this since it seems too big to be possible to build nowadays.

[malec]

Update

25/December/2009

Dubai Pearl

http://i45.tinypic.com/2ues8zk.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/34dfkeo.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/apd4eb.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/14vqzbm.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/azfolv.jpg

[Dac150]

I’m happy to see at least this is moving forward seemingly well; to me at least it has ‘iconic’ written all over it. It’s just clearly going to be such a massive and impressive structure, and the location to emphasize that is great.

[OneWorldTradeCenter]

It´s a really interesting design. Such a HUGE building. :tup:

[Ordo_]

to me at least it has ‘iconic’ written all over it.

It seems as if anything with windows qualifies as an "icon" these days.

[Dac150]

It seems as if anything with windows qualifies as an "icon" these days.

And that means what exactly?

[plinko]

It's going to be incredible when they get to the top and link not two, but FOUR towers. The construction tolerances have to be super clean here.

An incredibly interesting design. *suddenly reminded to check the status of that Sofdie project in Singapore linking 5 towers*

[malec]

There could well be problems here. Has not had the progress we were expecting. I think this is one of those "too good to be true" type projects. It's just so big in terms of space, probably more than all the marina supertalls put together. In a crisis like this I think once off, smaller and more specialised projects can go ahead every now and again (like the pentominium) but a huge one like this?

Construction Update : Dubai Pearl, 27 Jan 2010:

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/tower1-south-east.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/t1column-west-s.jpg


http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T3-reinforcement.jpg

[colemonkee]

The pictures show workers on site and concrete being poured, so it doesn't appear that the project is shut down completely yet. Slow doesn't always indicate financial troubles. But if the site shuts down, you can probably assume something's amiss.

[Lecom]

Something's amiss? Hell, it's a miracle how such a massive and bloated project is progressing in such harsh real estate climate at all.

By the way, will the Pearl site only be accessible by car? It looks like it.

[malec]

Something's amiss? Hell, it's a miracle how such a massive and bloated project is progressing in such harsh real estate climate at all.

By the way, will the Pearl site only be accessible by car? It looks like it.

Am sure there will be some underground passages from surrounding areas (such as media city) but in general yes, that's what you get for building in the middle of a ring road.

[Sky Tower]

I’m quite baffled on how this one is moving forward considering its size; perhaps the company developing it is in good shape. Nonetheless it’s one of the more interesting projects I’ve seen come out of this city. A building like this in my mind achieves more of an iconic brand, as opposed to just building cookie cutters. Having this as sort of a ‘street divider’ as you’re driving off the Palm Island will make for one cool setting.
I think although Dubai has been hit hard by the recent financial climate, due to the nature of Dubai it seems that this city is bouncing back bigger, better & stronger much quicker than any other city in the world.
Big slumps in a place like Dubai make for cheap real estate in what will become a very bouyant market again very soon.
People who missed out on the development bandwagon will get a heads up this time and a second chance.

Anyway, I think the mammoth Dubai Pearl has become my new favorite U/C project and as Dac150 said, has 'iconic' written all over it....just a shame they couldn't get the interchange inline with the Palm entrance...doh! :shrug:

[Aleks]

the only thing that pisses me off is that its so isolated from everything else. its like car heaven!

why couldnt they connect everything? and make it pedestrian friendly? this development only provides more proof that dubai isnt for people looking to walk from destination to destination.

[malec]

Update

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/T1-frm-genset.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/Tower-2--1.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/Tower3--1.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/gallery/Tower-4--2.jpg

[malec]

Construction still happening but slow

16/April/2010

Dubai Pearl

http://i41.tinypic.com/20kw4zs.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2i8vlw9.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/51oqp.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2ecd8j8.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/28jwr61.jpg

[Fabb]

Thanks for the update.
If it ends up being completed (in, like, 5 years ?) , it might be the last dinosaur in Dubai for a long time...

[bvancouver]

the only thing that pisses me off is that its so isolated from everything else. its like car heaven!

why couldnt they connect everything? and make it pedestrian friendly? this development only provides more proof that dubai isnt for people looking to walk from destination to destination.

I agree being pedestrian friendly is important but dubai is just way to hot for most of the year for it to be realistic, you walk outside for 10 minutes and your sweaty
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MJP0UXD31gE/S-cB2ZX9UMI/AAAAAAAArLo/ugDdHCJu5Bg/s1600/Dubai+Pearl+(4).JPG
theres the update, the site hasnt changed much

[Fabb]

Speaking of being pedestrian friendly...


http://i48.tinypic.com/hu0qis.jpg
Santhosh Joseph

by Ben Roberts on Jun 18, 2010

As more milestones are met for the construction of Dubai Pearl, the company’s founder and CEO explains the evolution of the design and the future in which the project will take its place

Dubai Pearl has undergone more changes and reviews than perhaps any other big project in the region, at the same time riding the wave of fluctuations in the wider industry. A partial building, a demolition, an overhaul in design, two contractors, an ambitious grid system and a prime location make for one of the most interesting tales in the global construction industry.

Big alterations in projects have occasionally signaled difficulties financially, or with investors – and with the latter of these there have been some notable issues. But by June 2010 the site has reached its most striking chapter by staying on track and thriving as the industry regains a stable footing.

After reaching successful milestones in the foundation work last year, both developer and contractor are buoyant. The maroon signs on Sheikh Zayed Road indicating Dubai Pearl are a kind of herald to the future presence of the site, and the company is keen to emphasise its prime spot.

Its first selling point is that the Palm Jumeirah can be seen by residents, which is known not to be the case for those who actually live on the man-made archipelago. Indeed, even residents on the ground floor of the four towers in the centre of the project will have a good view of its striking outline, being in fact on the sixth floor above five floors of parking.

The issue of parking was central to the redesign, explained Santhosh Joseph, CEO and founder of the Dubai Pearl company, and indeed to a degree became representative of the changing priorities of the project.

“The original design was nine towers with a shopping mall in the middle, each was built from the ground, it was not a grid or on a car park up to level five, so the number of available car park spaces was a lot less.

“In the redesign Tecom demanded car parks, as it is a mixed use development, commercial space, retail space. We needed to provide 12,000 spaces as per regulations – we provided an additional 20%.” The current project will see 15,500 spaces.

A need for a “grand arrival”, too, for all motor based visitors, created the five-stories-from-ground-level concept. “You don’t want to be driving into a car park when you enter Dubai Pearl and then have to find your way to a first level. That is not a premium development, so in the redesign it is set on a grid system.”

Now, cars will be able to pass through the middle of the circular complex, but the residential and entertainment hemispheres either side will be totally pedestrianised – a distinctive element of the project. “One of the big challenges in Dubai is finding a place to park your car. The beauty is that it will be 100% pedestrianised, there are no vehicles allowed across the podium level.”

Residential space had sold up quickly during the boom years, and of the 1,445 homes in the 73-storey towers, 95% were sold. But at the beginning of this month it was revealed that some investors were given a 40% cut to the price of apartments bought at the height of the market, at the same time changing the split between office and residential space.

Joseph explains that the ability to offer the reduction came about based on a repricing of the construction cost of the project following renegotiations with the contractor. He has earlier been quoted as saying this was a reduction from nearly AED9 billion down to AED7.4 billion.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2uy2i5d.jpg
Tower1. Even residents on what will be the ground floor above the parking will have a good view of Palm Jumeirah.

“What we’ve done is renegotiated with contractors and the money from the saving we passed on to the customers who bought at the peak to bring them more in line with those who bought before the peak.

“This was achieved on done on a pro rata basis. We repriced the project to get to a median across the customers. What we didn’t want is a situation where someone’s paid 1,000 per square foot and someone who’s paid 1,500 per square foot. We took the savings achieved from the contractors and applied that across the board so everyone is almost at the same level.”

The project is now split as follows: retail takes up 15%, hotels 19%, and residential and offices taking up 42% and 24%, respectively, a shift from the 33% each type of occupancy had before.

The changing percentage of office space and residential space, based on a changing market, provokes a deeper line of thought for the two executives on supply and demand, and Dubai Pearl’s place within it. Joseph points out that Dubai last year saw an influx of 168,000 residents, around 9% of the population. “If you look at the total number of units being supplied in the next four years it will be less than that,” he says.

“What happened in 2008 was that there was a huge shortage of homes and rentals, and the offices rents were very high. Today the demand is not the same as 2007, it couldn’t last. Maybe by 2014 the supply will have been absorbed, because for 2014 to 2017 there are no supplies planned.

“What happened in 2007 or 2008 could not be sustained for very long. It’s not just a real estate issue, it was economic. A couple of years ago the focus on development shifted to just one sector of real estate. I’m sure in the coming years it will come back. If you look at the business parks and free zones and the latest things coming up in Dubai, it’s unmatched in the world [especially] if you look at Media City, Silicon Oasis, Studio City, Internet City, Healthcare city – there is a huge amount planned.”

He adds that developers who might have moved further into real estate during the boom years, or real estate developers that accrued many non-core assets, were now re-examining their business models.

“Everyone is now sticking to core objectives, things are shifting back and focusing on core values.”

Dubai Pearl nevertheless offers a breadth of services and opportunities. “Dubai Pearl is a real estate venture development... whether you talk about office space, retail, hotels, entertainment. It is in a true sense mixed use, completely integrated.”

Joseph adds that there will be a tram system that will link to the Metro.

A big question mark for Dubai Pearl concerns the AED100 million island it bought in 2008 that formed part of the Siberia section of Nakheel’s infamous The World project.

Joseph says management has yet to decide on the future of the island, known as ‘Archangel’. “We’re not decided as to the plans for that,” he says. “We’re looking to create that as the beach access for Dubai Pearl. [Now] the plan is to complete Dubai Pearl.”

http://i46.tinypic.com/14kacr4.jpg
Work continues apace on site. The percentage of office and residential space has changed in line with market conditions.

THE LOWDOWN: The project that would survive the crash

Dubai Pearl is seven years in the making, conceived in 2003 when the emirate’s property market was on its world-beating ascent. The project was launched by Qatar-based Omnix Group, with the Technology, e-Commerce and Media Free Zone (Tecom) in the heart of the Tecom area as a ‘self-contained community’ at an initial cost of AED3 billion.

The original nine towers contracted to Arabtec were a statement of intent to providing the best view of the Gulf in a central location. Since, investors of almost 40 nationalities flocked to the site, tempted by views of the ethereal Palm Jumeira development.

Delays to the project caused master developer to Tecom to turn the whole project on its head, halting what work had been started, selling the project to the Al Fahim Group in Abu Dhabi, and re-examining what exactly could make the 6.096 million m2 area unique – and sustainable, in every sense.

By October 2007 Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, a company owned by the Al Fahim Group, was in charge of the project, swung a wrecking ball at the few floors that had been built and set about making the redesign a reality.

In November 2008 Al Habtoor Leighton Group was confirmed as the new contractors, beginning construction in the following February. 2009 saw the consecutive completion of the raft pouring for all four of the towers.

Dubai Pearl was designed by German architect Professor Peter Schweger of Schweger Associated Architects. The pioneering column-free design will create 20% more useable space than the standard in the region, the company says.

Al Habtoor Leighton Group recently announced that it had opened its doors for tenders for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP); aluminium and glazing (façade) work on the project.

The process is scheduled to be finalised by 16th September 2010. >> Source (http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-8683-the-pearl-is-his-oyster/3/)

[LoverOfDubai]

I agree being pedestrian friendly is important but dubai is just way to hot for most of the year for it to be realistic, you walk outside for 10 minutes and your sweaty

As someone who is involved in the Urban Planning sector in a desert city, I would have to disagree with this statement.

While it may be hot, the urban design is a major component to heat perception (or lack thereof). Vegetation, shade, water, interesting surroundings, among many other factors can make a place very pedestrian-friendly regardless of temperature.

And if we say that you are correct that pedestrian-oriented cities are impossible in warm climates (which is possible because I can sometimes be a little defensive when it comes to heat being perceived as intolerable and of course people have their own opinions), then I would argue that "hot for most of the year" is inaccurate. At least in Phoenix, the heat lasts from June to August. But at other times (9 months of the year), I would say it would be tolerable to a greater range of people.

[JDRCRASH]

How bad is the humididty?

[OneWorldTradeCenter]

Wow, there is amazing progress on that very very huge building.

[The North One]

:yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck:

all i can say.

[OneWorldTradeCenter]

Those images sent a guy from German Wikipedia to me, after I requested him for some:

Taken in early August 2010:

[MODERATOR EDIT - PLEASE RESIZE IMAGES]

[Infernal_Elf]

the only thing that pisses me off is that its so isolated from everything else. its like car heaven!

why couldnt they connect everything? and make it pedestrian friendly? this development only provides more proof that dubai isnt for people looking to walk from destination to destination.

indeed it aint exactly the place to walk for an example the distance between the Dubai marina and downtown Burj khalifah area. is very far but on the bright side the metro system is very good and when all the stations are finished it will be fantastic.

and it will probably be developed alot around this tower too. as for the tower the design is very intresting will be fun to see it come up

[malec]

Updates. Slow as usual.

7 September 2010

Tower 1:Jump form at P5-L6 level, Beams, internal slab, and columns at P1 & P2 completed. Stairs cast in progress
http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/1_5.jpg

Tower 2: core wall P3-P4 level casting in progress, columns at P1-P2 level in progress, cast-in situ slab & beams P1 completed
http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/2_4.jpg

Tower 3:Jump form at Level P5-L6. Internal slab P2 level casting, Construction of level P2 beam (water tank area) in progress
http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/3_2.jpg

Tower 4: Rebar work of core wall at level P2-P3 and periphery beams P1level in progress.
http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/4_2.jpg
www.dubaipearl.com

[OneWorldTradeCenter]

Updates:

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/Tower-1--Casting-of-Corewall-at-L5M-L6-level.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/Tower-1--Pouring-works-for-Corewall-at-L5M-L6.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/Tower-3-Installation-of-Hollow-core-slab-at-P01-level-completed.jpg

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/Tower-3--Laying-of-mesh-and-casting-of-toppings-for-Hollow-Core.jpg


http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=558130&page=17

[XxBassHunterxX]

:yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck:

all i can say.

Agreed :yes:

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

how is Dubai still building......

[Lecom]

I'd say this is roughly as massive as the Abraj Al Bait complex in Mecca, minus the centerpiece tower.

[Dac150]

Not sure how meaningful the purpose of the building will be, but it is a fascinating structure nonetheless. Imagine taking a swim in that pool at the base with all that around and above you; pretty cool.

[Obey]

It's felt like forever since this was first proposed. Glad to see some progress still in Dubai.

[Fabb]

“In the redesign Tecom demanded car parks, as it is a mixed use development, commercial space, retail space. We needed to provide 12,000 spaces as per regulations – we provided an additional 20%.” The current project will see 15,500 spaces.

I can't imagine such an amount of car spaces for a single building.
I guess Sheik Zayed Road is going to be even more congested.

[Lecom]

It's felt like forever since this was first proposed. Glad to see some progress still in Dubai.

A structure of this size and cost would take forever to build anywhere, not just the cash-strapped Dubai.

[Infernal_Elf]

The foundations can easily be seen on Google earth now and then u can really start to see just how big this thing will be the roof is gonna measure 230 meters long and 100 meters wide.


roughly Compared to the Towers in the big block of Dubai marina the Skyscraper will be same lenght as the Tamani hotel- ocean heights-marina crown- and elite residence and that is with the streets in between those Skyscrapers included

Ps: The picture under is only a comparison the real location fo the Dubai pearl is right by the foot of the Palm isle about 1.4 kilometers to the left or east from Tamani hotel

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/8148/dubaimarinadubaipearlsi.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/dubaimarinadubaipearlsi.jpg/)

here is rough comparison sketch i made where the outer red lines represent the walls of the Dubai pearl. And the square in the middle is where there the opening onto one of the other four legs will be if u look straight at it from the Palm.

source of image: http://www.skyscraperlist.com/showth...tography/page3

[Fabb]

I didn't have that impression that it would be that close to the marina... I guess that the size of the project leads to an incorrect appreciation of the distances.

[LoverOfDubai]

Fabb, Dubai Pearl is not directly adjacent to Dubai Marina. I believe Infernal_Elf was just using the image of Dubai Marina as a way to compare sizes/heights.

Dubai Marina and Dubai Pearl are about 1.4 kilometres (0.8 miles) apart.

[Fabb]

All right... that's what I thought.
I remember seeing the site from the metro and and on Sheik Zayed Rd.

[Infernal_Elf]

Fabb, Dubai Pearl is not directly adjacent to Dubai Marina. I believe Infernal_Elf was just using the image of Dubai Marina as a way to compare sizes/heights.

Dubai Marina and Dubai Pearl are about 1.4 kilometres (0.8 miles) apart.

yes that right i just wanted to compare it to the more familliar Marina tall block

[OneWorldTradeCenter]

I love this project.



Shots by Imre, Skyscrapercity, January 29, 2011: (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=558130&page=18)

http://i52.tinypic.com/2ec420y.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/120th6h.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/210gis8.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/2rmwec8.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/16bgf9k.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/jq6nw1.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/6qbnzb.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/2ce0u9g.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/rsbic9.jpg

[Fabb]

I just realized that Dubai Pearl is not totally unlike Meier's proposal for the new WTC :

http://www.flatrock.org.nz/topics/terrorism/assets/wtc_replacement1.jpg

[Infernal_Elf]

Id say its more like the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing with a boxy american architectural approach instead. Since it only joins up at the bottom and top. and ofc its alot bigger.

That Meier's proposal for wtc is more in category of its own i think but they do share the size and amount of open space within the building tho.

and btw i just cant w8 until 2012 when i can finnaly move down. and cower the finishing of this amazing Supertall project

[LanvinHomme]

i dont like the small buildings that are going to be around it

[Infernal_Elf]

can become quite nice if they put shops in all of the small buildings. and u can walk in between

[Fabb]

can become quite nice if they put shops in all of the small buildings. and uc an walk in between

Right !
An island of pedestrian friendly small streets amid an ocean of highways...

http://i5.tinypic.com/6jkk1l2.jpg

[Crush_Buds]

i dont like the small buildings that are going to be around it

Oh please.....What do you want to be around it? No buildings? Buildings that are so big you can't see the main structure?

[Fabb]

I like the idea of all those small buildings that are densely clustered around the tower. It looks medieval... like small houses around the cathedral or at the foot of a fortress.
I'm not sure the plan will be carried out like it shows on the renderings, though.

[BrBTowers]

Anybody have an update for this building?

And hi I've been reading this forum for awhile but this is my first post. sooo, bonjuer. :)

[Fabb]

Bonjour and welcome to the forum :)

Here's the latest update (April 19)

Tower 2 :

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/T2-from-T1-M6.jpg

Tower 1 :

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/T1-L6-M6-casting-from-SE.jpg

Tower 4 :

http://www.dubaipearl.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/nivo579/gallery/T4-from-NW.jpg

[woopud]

How come this build doesn't get any attention?

[cityenthusiast]

I just realized that Dubai Pearl is not totally unlike Meier's proposal for the new WTC :

http://www.flatrock.org.nz/topics/terrorism/assets/wtc_replacement1.jpg

That is so hideous. Im so glad that wasnt built

[Guiltyspark]

A little off-topic, but those Chrysler knock-off twins in the background are just offensive. Good to see this building moving forward. For some reason the footprint doesn't look as big as I thought it would, but I'm sure it's a much more imposing size in person.

If you don't like those then you will hate the other Chrysler knock-off that they have. That is right... Dubai pretty much has three Chrysler buildings. The twins are more original though because the crown is made of hollow arches instead of a solid mass. The Churchill Residency is just a copy worthy of vegas or Disneyworld. :koko:

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?buildingID=42302

But back to this building... While I think it would be an interesting space, I just cant get behind these "roofed" skyscrapers. They have one in Japan I believe and were planning one in Philadelphia, although that one had a supertower attached to it.

Edit: It looks far worse in person than in the illustration. http://imresolt.blogspot.com/2010/02/churchill-residency-and-churchill.html