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The awe-inspiring of 'Burj Khalifa,' once known as 'Burj Dubai'—currently, the reigning champion as the world's tallest building. Standing at a majestic height of 2,717 feet or 830 meters, this unique and spectacular skyscraper is more than just an architectural marvel—it's a testament to human ingenuity and achievement (Golden, 2010).
Situated in the vibrant heart of Dubai, Burj Khalifa is not merely a standalone structure but an integral part of the ambitious 'Burj Downtown' project. This visionary endeavor encompasses not only the world's tallest skyscraper but also the colossal 'The Dubai Mall' and various other construction projects, ranging from villas and offices to entertainment facilities and restaurants.
The grand goal behind erecting Burj Khalifa was not confined to claiming the title of the highest skyscraper.
Instead, it was a meticulously planned venture aimed at becoming a hub for finance, trade, and tourism in the Middle East ("Burj Khalifa," 2009). The sheer magnitude of this mega-structure reflects the unwavering determination, vision, and mission set forth by the political and economic leaders of the United Arab Emirates.
As the news of the world's tallest man-made structure surfaced in late 2003, the enormity of the project became apparent.
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With over 60 contractors and consultants, both international and local, and a staggering budget of USD 875 million ("Burj Khalifa Fact Sheet," 2010), Burj Khalifa was destined to become a global icon. Developers, Emaar PJSC, estimated a colossal 22 million man-hours between 2004 and 2008 for the realization of this architectural masterpiece.
Construction officially commenced in January 2004, initiating a meticulous process spanning 5-6 years.
From the initial excavation work to the final touches, including foundations, cladding, concrete and steel work, landscaping, electrical and water works, and crane operations, every detail contributed to the grandeur of Burj Khalifa (CW Staff, 2010). However, the estimated time and cost were susceptible to the harsh realities of the global and local economic landscape in 2008.
Amidst the ambitious construction timeline, Burj Khalifa faced a significant hurdle during the "Dubai Shock" in 2008. The construction came to a standstill for approximately four months and was anticipated to remain suspended for a more extended period. It was during this tumultuous period that 'Burj Dubai' underwent a transformation, emerging as 'Burj Khalifa,' with crucial financial support from the leaders of Abu Dhabi.
The metamorphosis wasn't limited to the name; alterations in both exterior and interior designs occurred. The original design, shorter by 100 meters, underwent modifications. The external changes were accompanied by adjustments to the interior layout. The financial infusion, mainly from Abu Dhabi, played a pivotal role in limiting the construction halt to a relatively short four months. However, the overall impact included delays and revisions, culminating in a staggering final cost of USD 1.5 billion ("Burj Khalifa Facts," 2009).
The grand opening, initially scheduled for October 2009, faced additional postponements, leading to the inauguration on January 4, 2010. This delay was attributed to the decision of major investors who opted for a grand opening on the four-year anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current prime minister and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai. As the chairman of 'Emaar' (developer) stated, "We decided to inaugurate the world's highest tower during an anniversary that is dear to the hearts of everyone" ("Burj Khalifa Facts," 2009).
Transitioning from the marvel of construction to the intricacies of business, Burj Khalifa's success is a multifaceted evaluation. While the long-term vision suggests a potential success, the immediate post-inauguration period reveals a more nuanced picture, with moderate profits achieved. The real challenge lies in the recovery of funds and the attainment of profitability, given the substantial investments involved.
The structure incorporates around a thousand residences or apartments, creating a dependency on a sufficient population to fill these spaces. However, concrete information on the business performance, profitability, and occupancy rates remains limited, leaving questions about Burj Khalifa's current standing. Notably, despite 90% of the building's apartments being sold, only around 15% are currently occupied. Profits, for the time being, are minimal, with the business hovering just above breaking-even due to the persistent decline in real estate market prices (a 40% drop since opening). Attaining 90-100% occupancy seems impractical, considering the city's constraints in waste management, road transportation, and handling the saturated population of the building itself.
Examining Burj Khalifa from the lens of project management, a set of tools, techniques, and knowledge applied to achieve scope, cost, and time constraints, reveals a more critical analysis. While the vision, mission, and goals were eventually realized, the journey raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of project management principles. The planning phase encountered challenges, marked by hurried decisions, changes in designs, and numerous ambiguities. Additionally, the estimated cost of USD 875 million proved imprecise, resulting in a premature overspending, with the final cost escalating to USD 1.5 billion, influenced by external factors such as weather, economic conditions, and market situations. Furthermore, efficiency and effectiveness, while not consistent throughout the project, did impact its overall trajectory. Time inefficiencies resulted in a completion timeline extending almost 6-7 months beyond the initially announced and expected date.
As I reflect on this case study, drawing insights from practical knowledge and personal experiences as a resident of Dubai since 1987, the significance of meticulous planning becomes evident. The investors behind this colossal structure might have underestimated the importance of forecasting and studying future trends in the region's population growth. Alternatively, perhaps the unexpected "Dubai Shock" was not factored into their considerations.
Undeniably, the planning phase should have undergone more scrutiny and approval before the commencement of construction. This could have mitigated the loss of time and money, optimizing the outcome of this architectural marvel.
The Evolution of Burj Khalifa: Architecture and Challenges. (2016, Dec 07). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/burj-khalifa-known-as-burj-dubai-essay
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