Aurecon, a global engineering advisory company, is collaborating with world-renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava on The Tower, a new icon in Dubai.

Work on the new structure – set to become one of the world’s most recognisable buildings – has started.

The supertall skyscraper will be the focal point of a major new development that will transform the Dubai Creek Harbour area into one of the most desirable residential and leisure destinations in the world. 

Santiago Calatrava, who is leading its design and engineering work, has chosen Aurecon as the engineer/architect-of-record to collaborate with on a range of design and technical features for the ambitious project.

Adrian Jones, Aurecon’s project director for The Tower, said: “The Calatrava team were looking to work directly with our experts who have had hands-on project experience on other supertall and similar mega projects. Not only were they assured of such a working arrangement, they were further impressed by our open, flexible and collaborative approach.”

“The Tower will test the craftsmanship of Aurecon as we play our part in making a mark on the built fabric of mankind,” Jones said. “It is an absolute privilege to be entrusted by Santiago Calatrava and Emaar Properties to work on this project, and we have assembled a stellar team to bring this idea to life.”

The supertall building’s striking design includes a distinctive net of steel cable stays that attach to a central reinforced concrete column that will reach into the skies. At the top of the tower is an oval-shaped bud that will house 10 observation decks, including The Pinnacle Room, which will offer unprecedented, 360-degree views of the city and beyond. It will also serve as a beacon of light at night, with a lighting system that will evoke the features of a flower bud, as it seemingly hovers atop the structure. 

Design work for the project is already under way. The Tower is scheduled to open in mid-2020 to celebrate the start of Expo 2020 in Dubai.