Burj Khalifa architects selected to design the world’s tallest commercial tower

Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) were just selected by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) to design the Burj 2020.

The new tower is set to surpass New York’s One World Trade Center as the world’s tallest commercial building. The Burj 2020 will be a “world-class destination” that “will set new levels of efficiency and urban sustainability,” according to a statement by the DMCC.

Adrian Smith brings with him significant experience is designing exceptionally tall buildings, having been key in the design of the Burj Khalifa while at SOM, as well as the Kingdom Tower currently under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

And while the designs for the Burj 2020 have not been unveiled—and therefore the height of the structure is unknown—DMCC chief Ahmed bin Sulayem told Emirates 24/7 “[w]e are not going to have a spire to get into the book of records. It will be a mega high structure, floor wise.”

The tower will feature a 360 degree rooftop viewing platform, and will sit within the Burj 2020 District, which includes commercial, retail and hotel spaces. Construction is set to start on the tower later this year, and be completed in 2020, ahead of the Expo 2020, which will be held in Dubai.