Burj Khalifa
Adrian Smith / SOM · Dubai, United Arab Emirates · 2010
The Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use skyscraper completed in Dubai in 2010. Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), it stands as a prominent example of contemporary supertall construction. Its Y-shaped plan and triple-lobed footprint are inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, optimizing structural stability and maximizing views. Reaching a height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa was designed to be the world's tallest building. Its design incorporates a "buttressed core" structural system, which addresses torsional forces and reduces lateral sway. The tower's monumental scale and advanced engineering represent a significant achievement in modern high-rise architecture and urban development.