SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

The Burj Khalifa officially opened in early January 2010 with the opening of its observation deck to the public. The deck was then closed in February after an elevator malfunction, and reopened in April.
Photo: © Francis Dufour Extra Large Image

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

The Burj Khalifa stands within a huge development that includes an expansive artificial lake, a shopping mall, hotels, and residential buildings.
Photo: Flickr user Joi Extra Large Image

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

A lower-floor hallway at the Burj Khalifa follows the gradual curve of the building's exterior wall.
Photo: Adam Brown Extra Large Image

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

As the Burj Khalifa rises, its plan becomes progressively smaller, resulting in a sharper curve to the exterior walls.
Photo: Lulian Maiorescu Extra Large Image

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

Looking down on the skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, as seen from the Burj Khalifa.
Photo: Adam Brown Extra Large Image

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

A hexagonal concrete service core stands at the intersection of the three wings of the Burj Khalifa's Y-shaped plan.
Photo: Courtesy SOM

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

The Burj Khalifa's reinforced-concrete structural system incorporates 35,700 metric tons (39,400 tons) of rebar (excluding foundations).
Photo: Erik Fredborg Extra Large Image

Dedicated mechanical levels are located on floors 40, 73, and 109.
Photo: Peter Chan Extra Large Image

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

Some 8.36 hectares (20.7 acres) of glass and 2.79 hectares (6.8 acres) of steel comprise the exterior cladding of the Burj Khalifa.
Photo: Courtesy SOM Extra Large Image

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE

Long before the construction had reached its topping-out point, the Burj Khalifa had become the tallest building in the world.
Photo: Courtesy SOM Extra Large Image