The Jeddah Tower, an innovative skyscraper planned for construction in Saudi Arabia, will join the elite group of iconic structures like Philadelphia City Hall, the Empire State Building, and the Burj Khalifa, all of which have held the title of the world's tallest skyscraper. The Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), in charge of the project, confirms that construction of the Jeddah Tower has resumed, with an expected completion period of four to five years.

Designed by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the building is projected to stand at a remarkable height of 3,281 feet once finished within the next four to five years, nearly 11 times the height of the Statue of Liberty. Exceeding the Burj Khalifa by about 564 feet, the skyscraper was designed by Smith while he was at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which currently holds the record for the world's tallest skyscraper.

What is the planned location for Jeddah Tower?

Jeddah Tower is planned to be located in its namesake city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, positioned along the Red Sea coastline. Jeddah, a significant port city, stands as the second-most populous in the nation. Upon completion, the skyscraper will join Jeddah's prominent architectural landmarks, alongside attractions such as the Penang Floating Mosque and Al Balad, the historic district famous for its coral-built homes.

What is the intended role or use of Jeddah Tower?

Just like the Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Tower is expected to be a versatile building, incorporating a blend of residential, commercial, and office spaces. In addition, plans include building an observation deck, aiming to be the tallest globally, along with a Four Seasons hotel, and a large outdoor balcony with a diameter of 98 feet, initially designed as a helipad.

How will Jeddah Tower appear?

According to Smith and Gill, the design draws inspiration from the fresh fronds of palm trees, which are plentiful in Saudi Arabia.The building is created with a neo-futuristic design, known for its forward-thinking style that often incorporates advanced technology and a reinterpretation of the form and function of architectural endeavors. Illustrations depict a solitary, slim tower that gradually narrows towards its top. They explain that the tower's shape, starting as a single tripod at the base and gradually separating towards the top, is influenced by how wind interacts with the structure—an integration of technological advancement with organic growth.

Source - TOI