Creating a skyscraper is a massive undertaking. However, they are becoming more and more popular all around the world. This is because they offer a number of advantages. That includes creating more homes and amenities on sites. As a top architect in London, we want to have a look at a project that could ultimately create the tallest building in the world.

Jeddah Tower

The current tallest building is the stunning Burj Khalifa. The skyscraper in Dubai, UAE is 828 metres tall (or 829.8 metres if you include the antenna). It took the title as world’s biggest building in 2009 following 5 years of construction. It then opened in 2010.

Saudi Arabia rose to the challenge of creating an even bigger landmark. The plan for the Jeddah Tower was to create a building that would reach a height of 1,000 metres. It would put it comfortable ahead of the competition.

Renderings of the design of the tower have been available since 2011. Approval was granted the same year and the main contractor was chosen. The ground was officially broken two years later in 2013. However, the project has not been a smooth one. There have been several stops and starts in that time.

Purge

Work on the site was well underway in 2013/14. The foundations were complete, including piling. By 2018 the central core had been built up to the 63rd floor. However, the 2017-2019 Saudi Arabian Purge caused big issues. The mass arrest of as many as 500 people due to anti-corruption claims caused the project to stall. Most notably, the chairman of the main contractor was among the people to face arrest.

Since then the project has also had to deal with labour issues and the COVID 19 pandemic. However, the developer is now ready to start work again. They are inviting contractors to tender for the contract to complete the construction. Firms have three months to prepare bids (starting from September 2023).

Details

If the tower is completed in the coming years, the hope is it will be one of the highlights of Jeddah Economic City. It will primarily be home to a Four Seasons Hotel and Short Rental Apartments. This will hopefully attract visitors. The tower will also have the highest observation deck in the world. It will make it a tourist landmark.

In addition, there will be Class A office space for business who want to say they work in the tallest building in the world.

Finally, there will be luxury condominiums so people will be able to live in the building full time.

Do you want help from a top architect in London?

One of the key things to keep in mind if you want a project to have the best chance of progressing smoothly is to choose a great architect. While they can’t anticipate everything, they can prepare plans to consider various scenarios. It can help to overcome a number of issues to help keep things moving.

Coffey Architects is a great team to work with in this regard. We have a lot of experience with planning and project management. In fact, we are one of the best options if you want an architect in London. You should contact us to discuss your ideas and see what we can do to help.