Downtown Circle: Is this the future for the Burj Khalifa?

The daring design sees a 550-meter-tall ring surround the world’s tallest building.

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that this new idea for Dubai’s skyline is ambitious. Znera Space, an architectural firm, has created the dramatic design known as Downtown Circle. 

From a distance, it looks like a giant UFO has landed in Dubai. On closer inspection, the futuristic design of this UAE megaproject sees a 550-meter-tall ring with a circumference of three kilometres wrapped around the Burj Khalifa. The co-founders of Znera Space and designers behind Downtown Circle, Najmus Chowdry and Nils Remess, aim to change the way we live in cities.

The Covid-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the firm to rethink how cities are designed. Downtown Circle includes five levels and sits on five points, which are situated into the ground. The whole structure would encompass homes, shops and cultural spaces. 

In an attempt to create a true vertical city, the ring itself would be an environmentally-friendly belt called Skypark. Skypark sounds like an impressive idea, which would offer green solutions. Addressing issues of agriculture in an urban environment, it would include rainwater harvesting and a solar power system. Plus, there would be swamps, waterfalls, vegetation and plants.

The experimental design doesn’t stop there, as it also includes a tram. The pods would take visitors around Downtown Circle, offer 360-degree views of the city and travel up to 100 kilometres per hour.

Znera Space said on Instagram: “As a response to the dilemma of how to build densely while retaining liveability, the downtown circle project establishes a sustainable and a self-sufficient vertical urbanism. As a singular mega building complex, it aims to create a hyper-efficient urban centre that gives back to the environment. The proposed 550-meter-tall mega structure offers an alternative to the singular and unconnected high-rises found in most metropolitan areas.”

The Middle East is no stranger to innovative designs, as Saudi Arabia’s Neom sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi film. Neom’s The Line is a 170km-long residential complex with zero cars, zero roads and zero carbon emissions. When completed, the area will be home to million residents across 34 square kilometres. 

Znera Space has shared Downtown Circle’s design on social media, and would love to hear the public’s thoughts. What do you think? Is it bonkers or brilliant?

GO: Follow @znera.space for more information.