Almost every month, world-renowned architects announce a new super-tall skyscraper in Dubai. However, the Dutch studio MVRDV has focused not on height, but on an eye-catching feature. The 210-metre-high Inaura skyscraper will feature a structure resembling a giant pearl, from which visitors will be able to admire views of the Burj Khalifa.
Skyscraper fever
Dubai has long been experiencing skyscraper fever. Some time ago, there were reports of hanging terraces at a luxury resort, the world’s longest sky bridge and skyscrapers for brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Bugatti. This time, MVRDV, a studio known for its creative and photogenic designs, has decided to make its debut in the “City of Gold” with a building that will attract the attention of every passer-by.
The Inaura skyscraper will stand on a recessed plinth, which will then expand into a box-like structure at the top. Interestingly, a similar indentation can be seen in the iconic Rainier Tower in Seattle. The building’s four-storey lobby will house restaurants and a gym, and at the very top of the plinth there will be a spa with a swimming pool. The upper floors will be used for hotel rooms and luxury apartments.
Inaura is characterised by distinctive horizontal stripes drawn by long white balconies. Vertical lines, on the other hand, encircle the building with thin stripes. Interestingly, this striped arrangement of balconies provides better protection from the harsh desert sun. It is also worth noting that the rounded corners of the building give it a modern and streamlined look.
The jewel in the crown
Of course, the most important element of the building is the pearl, or rather the sky-high box offering views of the Burj Khalifa. This pearl in the crown of the skyscraper is the hotel’s VIP area and bar. The egg-shaped structure is designed to illuminate the building and catch the eye of passers-by. As you might guess, Inaura is not meant to compete with its surroundings in terms of height, but to impress with its unusual design.
The developer, Arada, boasts a LEED Gold certificate, which is a high, though not the highest, level of environmental certification for a building. There is no information yet from MVRDV about the planned completion date, but the date 2030 is circulating on the internet.
Source of visualisation: MVRDV
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