From a distance, the half-mile-high Burj Khalifa in Dubai tapers to a near imperceptible spire like a mirage along the windswept desert coast of the Persian Gulf. Up close, within its urban context, visitors and residents are treated to a densely landscaped setting of terraced drives, esplanades, restaurants, retail outlets, pools, and fountains.
In terms of illumination, it was an interesting challenge, says Paul Marantz, design principal at Fisher Marantz Stone (FMS), the firm responsible for lighting the bulk of the tower, as well as the circular Tower Park around it. “You’re either looking up or straight ahead,” he says. “So the question we had was, What do you do with a building that is so tall it dwarfs everything else?”
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.