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Dubai Skyscraper to Feature Multiple Rotating Floors

by Terrence O'Brien on June 26, 2008 at 06:10 AM


Dubai has become synonymous with architectural excess, but the latest creation being proposed for the commercial mecca is something that must be seen to be believed. David Fisher, an Italian architect, has designed what can only be described as the world's first spinning skyscraper. The 80-story residential tower -- to be called the Dynamic Tower -- changes shape as each floor rotates individually, creating a constantly changing facade.

The dancing tower isn't all theatrical extravagance, however. The apartment complex also incorporates a number of new building techniques. In order to speed up construction time, each apartment will be prefabricated in a factory, and then shipped and assembled in Dubai. In between each rotating floor will be wind turbines, horizontally placed so as to be barely noticeable from a distance. Fisher expects the turbines not only to power the new tower, but also to generate enough electricity to feed some back into the grid.

The $700 million tower is expected to be completed some time in 2010. [Source: BBC, and AP]

Tags: architecture, dubai, skyscraper

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