Burj Khalifa

Photograph by Andrew Prokos

Burj Khalifa, Adrian Smith, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 2009  

The Burj Khalifa, which is located in Dubai Downtown, is the tallest tower in the world. Its design combines both cutting-edge technology and local cultural influences. To mitigate dynamic winds, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill strategically used aerodynamic shaping and wind engineering techniques to craft the 2,716-foot-tall building. The tower, which resembles the structure of the desert Spider Lily flower, consists of three sections arranged around a central Y-shaped concrete core.