Work on the interiors of Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building developed by Emaar Properties, is progressing alongside the tower's exterior cladding. Currently over 800 meters (2,624.7 ft) high, the tower's interiors are an aesthetic confluence of the best of the architectural influences from around the world and the region. Complementing the external architecture of the tower that is inspired by the geometries of the desert flower Hymenocalis and regional patterning systems, the interior design of Burj Dubai was conceptualised and led by award-winning designer Nada Andric of Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM). While designing, Andric worked toward attaining two main purposes - to recognize and acknowledge the building's epoch marking height, its structural and architectural rationale and challenges; and to appreciate the location and region's heritage, history and culture. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “Burj Dubai is a once in a lifetime architectural accomplishment and is the Arab world's tribute to the art and science of modern engineering and design. A global icon that draws on international engineering expertise, Burj Dubai will symbolize the aesthetic unison of many cultures - from Arabia and the rest of the world.” He added: “The interiors place a special focus on the region's heritage and geographical location in its design approach and selection of materials. The design emphasizes on the best results in space planning and utilization alongside the finest detailing, to give residents and visitors an unprecedented lifestyle experience.” Andric's design approach was not to take literal, stereotypical translations for the region's cultural influences but to turn to scholarship to develop the vocabulary inspired by the region's history cultural understanding of the heritage of the Arabic world and its interpretation into spatial elements, the right selection of materials and a concerted effort to blend the traditional motifs and patterns with modernity. Apart from glass, stainless steel and polished dark stones, the interiors of Burj Dubai also feature Silver Travertine flooring, Venetian stucco walls, handmade rugs, stone flooring and dark, intricate Brazilian Santos Rosewood to reflect shelter, comfort, and above all, restrained luxury. Surfaces on the upper floors will be advanced in finishes of silver metallic lacquers.
