Dubai, United Arab Emirates
“This project is not just about architecture. It’s about architecture and engineering coming together,” states Yahya Jan, President and Design Director at Norr.
“That’s why I love the project so much. It… is my passion, the convergence of science and art.”
Yahya Jan and his design team at Norr were tasked with designing the 300m-high skyscraper on a triangular plot of land at Dubai Marina with an area of just 2,500 square meters —small for a building of that height.
Nevertheless, Ciel Tower—named for the French word for the sky—is destined to be the world’s tallest hotel and as timeless, like the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building in New York City.
Ciel Tower offers an inspired response to vertical living, located at the entrance to Dubai Marina.
The new landmark’s scheme emphasizes the sheer verticality of the tower itself.
The positioning of the form on the site and the overall massing of the tower offers views in all directions.
Abstractly sculpted from metal and glass, the curved forms gently reflected in the setting sun.
Standout design features include a 300-meter tall atrium with vertically stacked landscaped and naturally ventilated terraces spanning the building’s 82 floors, which will provide occupants with shared communal and interactive space.
A glass observation deck at the crown of the building offers 360-degree views of the city, as well as the coastline and iconic landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah man-made island, according to the developer, The First Group. Visitors will also be able to take in the sights from a rooftop swimming pool and restaurants.
The new Dubai landmark will be the tallest in the world to accommodate both hotel and serviced apartments.
Amenities are distributed vertically through the tower, each being accompanied by sky terraces and breathtaking views across the Arabian Gulf.
Ciel’s interior design is inspired by the concept of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese tradition with a key focus on understated elegance and rustic, warm aesthetics.
“We are proud to mark this important milestone in the development of Ciel, which is set to become one of Dubai’s most iconic buildings and a landmark hotel of global significance,” said Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group.
Upon completion, Ciel Tower will surpass Dubai’s 356-meter Gevora Hotel, which is now considered the world’s tallest hotel.
The grand opening of the hotel is scheduled for the first half of 2024.
Project: Ciel Tower
Architects: Norr, Inc.
Clients: The First Group and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC)