Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building, rising 828 meters (2,717 ft) into the sky. Designed by SOM, its triple-lobed footprint serves as a bracing "buttressed core" to resist strong wind forces, influenced by the Hymenocallis flower. The tower features a highly efficient condensation collection system that recovers up to 15 million gallons of water annually for irrigation. Over 40 wind tunnel tests were conducted to perfect its aerodynamics, focusing on "confusing the wind" to minimize vortex shedding.