WORLD’S FIRST ‘BUILDING IN MOTION’

In July 2012, Italian architect Dr. David Fisher announced the launch of a revolutionary skyscraper in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He said “this is going to be world’s first building in motion.” The skyscraper will be an 80-story tower with revolving floors that give it an ever-shifting shape. The spinning floors will hang like rings around a cement core. A few penthouse villas will spin on command using a voice-activated computer. (1)..... . The residents of the skyscraper will have a constantly changing view of the Persian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline.

Each floor will be made in an Italian factory. (2)..... . Those floors will be added to the building by only 80 workers. The total cost of the project will be $700 million. This is less than the cost of building a traditional skyscraper, Fisher said.

Other parts of the building will be unusual, too. Giant wind turbines will be installed between every floor and they will generate enough electricity to power the entire building. Residents will use large lifts to park their cars right in their apartments. How will the plumbing work in a moving building? Fisher said that the pipes will join to the core. These pipes will be similar to the ones used by military aircraft for in-flight refueling. (3)..... . Will people inside the building feel dizzy because of their moving houses? Fisher said, “No.” The rotations will be slow enough that no one will notice. Fisher acknowledges that he is not well known, has never built a skyscraper before and hasn’t practiced architecture regularly in decades. (4)..... . Fisher said, “I have not designed skyscrapers, but I feel ready to do so.” He insists that his lack of experience won’t stop him. Then, Fisher has brought together a team of designers to get their help. The team includes Leslie E. Robertson. Robertson was an engineer for the World Trade Center. Fisher believes that working with experienced professionals will help him build the skyscraper in his dreams.