Construction of what is tipped to become the ‘largest building in the world’ is now underway.
Work has officially begun to build the 400-metre-tall, cube-shaped Mukaab super-skyscraper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to architecture and interior design magazine, Dezeen, which is estimated to cost around $50 billion to build.
Developer, New Murabba Development Company, also recently confirmed groundworks at the site are now 86 per cent complete, with around 900 workers on site daily.
The excavation process required the daily use of around 250 excavators and more than 400 pieces of equipment to manage the earthworks.
“This achievement underscores the rapid pace of development and strong commitment to delivering the world’s largest, modern, downtown,” said New Murabba.
A temporary bridge connecting the construction site is also being built, to facilitate ongoing development and pave the way for piling in the coming months.
Designed by engineering company, AtkinsRéalis, the iconic Mukaab super-structure will be the centrepiece of the massive New Murabba development in the northwest part of the capital city, which itself will contain more than 100,000 homes within a 19 sq km development area, reported Dezeen.
With 400-metre-long sides, the cube-shaped, supertall skyscraper will be the “largest built structure in the world”, according to Bloomberg, apparently overshadowing the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington, US.
Mukaab key features*
- An almost full-height atrium
- A spiralling tower at the centre
- 2 million sqm of retail and leisure
- External Najdi style architecture
In addition to more than 100,000 homes, it is understood the New Murabba development will contain millions of square metres of retail, hospitality, leisure and office space.
The New Murabba Development Company is funded by Saudi Arabia’s central Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The development is scheduled for completion in 2030.
“We are committed to sustainability, efficient resource utilisation, and having a positive influence on local infrastructure. Moreover, we are dedicated to being a part of a new dawn for urban development in Riyadh, the Kingdom, and beyond,” said Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba.
*according to interior design magazine, Dezeen.
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