Vision and Design:

* The primary goal was to create a global landmark that would elevate Dubai's international profile, diversify its economy, and showcase its modernity.

* The design, by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), draws inspiration from Islamic architecture and the Hymenocallis flower (spider lily), a regional desert bloom.

* Its Y-shaped tripartite floor plan optimizes space utilization for residential and hotel purposes while offering expansive views of the Arabian Gulf.

* The tapering form and setbacks along its height are not just aesthetic but also contribute to the building's aerodynamic stability, reducing wind forces.

Construction and Engineering:

* Construction began in January 2004, and the exterior was completed in October 2009. The official opening was in January 2010.

* The primary structure is reinforced concrete up to the 586th meter, with a lighter steel structure for the upper sections and the spire, reducing the overall weight at extreme heights.

* A "buttressed core" system, featuring a hexagonal central core supported by three wings, provides exceptional torsional rigidity and stability against lateral and vertical loads.

* The foundation utilizes 192 reinforced concrete piles extending over 50 meters deep.

* Specialized high-density concrete mixes were developed to withstand Dubai's extreme temperatures, and the world's largest concrete pumps were used to reach unprecedented heights.

* The exterior cladding, consisting of approximately 26,000 hand-cut glass panels, aluminum, and stainless steel, was designed to reflect sunlight and regulate internal temperatures, enhancing energy efficiency.

* The telescopic spire, constructed internally and hydraulically jacked into place, adds to the building's record-breaking height.

Key Features and Records:

* Standing at an impressive 828 meters (2,717 feet) with over 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa holds numerous world records, including:

   * Tallest building in the world.

   * Tallest free-standing structure.

   * Highest number of stories.

   * Highest occupied floor.

   * Highest outdoor observation deck.

   * Elevator with the longest travel distance.

* The Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use development comprising residences, the Armani Hotel Dubai, corporate suites, and observation decks ("At the Top" and "At the Top SKY").

* It is the centerpiece of Downtown Dubai, a large-scale development that includes the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa Lake, and numerous other residential and commercial structures.

The Burj Khalifa project was a massive undertaking that required innovative engineering solutions, meticulous planning, and a global workforce. It stands as a testament to human ambition and the remarkable advancements in architecture and construction.

* Design and Architecture: Fees for the renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and lead architect Adrian Smith.

* Materials: The massive quantities of concrete (approximately 330,000 cubic meters), steel (around 55,000 tonnes), glass (over 1.5 million square feet), and aluminum required for the structure and cladding. Some structural steel was even sourced from the former East German parliament building.

* Labor: The cost of employing a peak workforce of around 12,000 workers from numerous countries, accumulating an estimated 22 million man-hours.

* Project Management: Expenses related to the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the complex project.

* Foundation: The specialized piled raft foundation, involving 192 reinforced concrete piles extending over 50 meters deep, alone cost an estimated $150 million.

* Cladding: The installation of approximately 26,000 hand-cut glass panels and a significant amount of aluminum. The system for cleaning the exterior, particularly the top sections and spire, also incurred an $8 million cost.

Construction Methods

* Foundation: Given the unstable soil conditions, engineers used a piled raft foundation. This involved driving 192 reinforced concrete piles over 50 meters deep into the ground, topped by a 3.7-meter-thick concrete mat.

* Superstructure: The primary structure up to the 586th meter is made of reinforced concrete. Above this, a lighter steel structure was used for the upper sections and the spire to reduce weight. The core structure features a buttressed core system, a hexagonal central core supported by three wings forming a Y-shape, providing stability against wind and seismic forces.

* Concrete Pumping: Pumping concrete to such unprecedented heights was a significant challenge. Engineers developed a high-pressure pumping system capable of vertical lifts over 600 meters. A specialized concrete mix, developed by BASF, was used that could remain workable for over three hours despite the extreme heat, often requiring ice to be added and pouring to occur at night.

* Cladding: The exterior features a curtain wall system made of reflective glazing, aluminum, and textured stainless steel. Approximately 26,000 individually hand-cut glass panels were used. This system was designed to improve energy efficiency and protect against Dubai's harsh climate.

* Spire Construction: The iconic spire was constructed internally using over 4,000 tons of structural steel and a hydraulic pump to lift it into place.

* Crane Technology: Advanced Favelle Favco cranes were used to lift materials to the upper levels. Special methods were devised for dismantling these cranes as the building grew taller.

Responsibility

The Burj Khalifa project was a collaborative effort involving numerous key players:

* Emaar Properties: The developer was the driving force behind the project, responsible for the overall vision, funding, and management.

* Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM): This Chicago-based architectural firm was responsible for the architecture, urban planning, and engineering of the tower.

   * Adrian Smith: Served as the lead architect, responsible for the building's vision and design, drawing inspiration from the Hymenocallis flower.

   * William F. Baker: The structural engineer at SOM, who developed the innovative buttressed core system that provides the tower's stability.

* Samsung C&T, BESIX, and Arabtec: These companies formed the main contracting joint venture responsible for the construction of the Burj Khalifa.

* Numerous other consultants and contractors specializing in various aspects such as geotechnical investigation, mechanical and electrical systems, and façade engineering were also involved.

In essence, the realization of the Burj Khalifa was the result of the vision and leadership of Emaar Properties and the innovative design and engineering expertise of SOM, brought to life by the construction prowess of the main contractors and the contributions of countless other specialists.

* Start of Construction: Excavation work commenced in January 2004.

* Superstructure Construction: The main structure began to rise above ground in March 2005.

* Becoming World's Tallest: By April 2008, it surpassed the KVLY-TV mast to become the world's tallest man-made structure.

* Topping Out: The Burj Khalifa reached its full height with the completion of the spire in January 2009.

* Exterior Completion: The exterior cladding was finished in September 2009.

* Official Opening: The Burj Khalifa was officially inaugurated on January 4, 2010.

Therefore, from the start of excavation to its official opening, the project took around six years to complete.

* To Achieve International Acclaim and Boost the UAE's Economy: The Burj Khalifa was envisioned as a landmark that would garner worldwide recognition for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, attracting tourists, businesses, and investments. This was part of a broader strategy to shift the economy away from its reliance on oil towards tourism and services.

* To Become a Global Hub for Finance, Trade, and Tourism: By creating an iconic structure and a mixed-use development, Dubai aimed to position itself as a major international center in the Middle East. The Burj Khalifa was intended to be the centerpiece of this vision, drawing in global attention and facilitating business and tourism activities.

* To Build the World's Tallest Structure: A core objective was to break records and construct the tallest building in the world. This feat of engineering and design was meant to showcase human ingenuity and Dubai's ambition to achieve the seemingly impossible.

* To Symbolize Ingenuity, Inspiration, and Achievement: The Burj Khalifa was not just about height; it was intended to be a symbol of modern architectural and engineering prowess, inspiring future developments and highlighting human achievement in the region.

* To Develop a Mixed-Use Space: The project aimed to create a vibrant urban center by integrating residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces within and around the tower, contributing to a dynamic city environment.

In essence, the goal of the Burj Khalifa project extended beyond simply constructing a tall building. It was a strategic initiative to enhance Dubai's global profile, diversify its economy, and establish it as a leading international hub through an awe-inspiring architectural achievement.