Lightning....

Apparently lightning strikes the tops of buildings that stand 2,600 ft tall.
Who would have ever thought about this?

Another big one...

Although all construction on the foundation has been put off until January 2010, this is still quite noteworthy. This is the Nakheel Tower [formerly: Al Burj], developed by Nakheel [rival to Emaar, developer on Burj Dubai]. This building will be the pinnacle to all other skyscraper construction projects in Dubai's ever rising skyline.




The potential contractors taking on the project are Samsung Corporation [South Korea, built Burg Dubai], Shimizu Corporation [Japan], or Grocon [Australia]. This building is designed to reach 1,400 meters [4,600 ft] and have 200 floors or more. It's estimated there will be 150 elevators with the main lift traveling nearly 125 mph [200 kph], fast enough to go from ground to the 2,788 ft [850 m] mark in four minutes. The tower will house a facility for 10,000 or more vehicles, this should satisfy the residents of the ultra-luxury apartments. Other amenities include "high star" restaurants, a health club, an observation deck, and sky gardens.


There could be some further delay in the process, due majorly to the overwhelming developmental debt and the world real estate slump. Previous figures for competitor Burj Dubai put a rather small studio out just shy of $800k, with these increasingly beautiful buildings the price is sure to only rise.


Dubai Article 1
Dubai Article 2

Santa...where'd you go?

New York City residents will be seeing a little less of Old Saint Nick this year, again, continuing last years trend. "Sidewalk Santa" has curbed more of their workers, consisting exclusively of former homeless men. The program, providing food vouchers for families unable to afford holiday meals, will still be in full swing this year online. This due almost enitrely to the economic deterioration of the US and the world.

Design Milestone

This would be so awesome. First in Dubai, then onto New York and Moscow.