总部位于迪拜的建筑公司ZNera Space为这座城市提出了一种新型的当代符号：一个绿色和自然的地标，作为哈利法塔周围的“连续大都市” 。该项目被称为“市中心圈”，其特点是在世界上最高的独立式结构周围安装一个长 550 米的巨型环形结构。该结构将“调查在这个国家发展的关键时刻，建筑师和城市规划者如何能够摆脱以前孤立摩天大楼的城市模式，转向一种更人性化的类型，旨在模仿自然并创造多样化的公共空间”。
Dubai-based architecture firm ZNera Space has proposed a new type of contemporary symbol for the city: a green and natural landmark that serves as a "continuous metropolis" around Burj Khalifa. Dubbed "Downtown Circle", the project features installing a giant ring-like structure of 550 meters in length around the world’s tallest free-standing structure. The structure will "investigate how at this critical time in the country’s development, architects, and urban planners can move away from previous urban models of isolated skyscrapers, towards a more humane typology that seeks to emulate nature and create diverse public spaces".
该项目是对全球人口持续增长以及城市中心结构变化的回应，尤其是在迪拜，快速的城市化推动了以摩天大楼和扩张为特征的快速城市增长。550米高的巨型建筑为大多数大都市地区的独特和不相连的高层建筑提供了另一种选择。
The project comes as a response to the continuous rise of the global population, and how the fabric of urban centers is changing, especially in Dubai, where rapid urbanization drive has prompted rapid urban growth characterized by skyscrapers and sprawl. The 550 meter tall mega structure offers an alternative to the singular and unconnected high-rises found in most metropolitan areas.
这个建筑的周长是3公里。它环绕着哈利法塔，从形成开发中心脊柱的空中公园中可以看到全景和清新的空气。建筑的大尺度被分解成更小的单元，以创造各种各样的空间来服务于公共、商业和文化项目。该项目提供了多种办公和住宅类型，从大型办公室和生活/工作单元，到阁楼、联排别墅和联排住宅。
The structure's circumference is 3 km. As it encircles the Burj Khalifa, it draws panoramic views and clean air from the skypark which forms the central spine of the development. The large scale of the structure is broken down into smaller units to create a variety of spaces to serve public, commercial, and cultural programs. The project offers a variety of office and housing typologies, from large offices and living/working units, to lofts, townhouses, and terraced houses.
市中心圈项目旨在建立一个可持续的、自给自足的垂直城市主义，创造一个回馈环境的高效城市中心。建筑的占地面积由两个主要的环组成，它们由一个连续的绿化带连接在一起——“空中花园”——它被自然光照亮，办公室和研究中心嵌入其中。“空中花园”将楼层垂直连接，创造出相互连接的立体城市绿色生态系统。
The downtown circle project aims to establish a sustainable and a self sufficient vertical urbanism, creating a hyper-efficient urban center that gives back to the environment. The footprint of the building is composed of two main rings, which are held together by a a continuous green belt – the “skypark” – which is illuminated with natural light and has offices and research centers embedded in it. The “skypark” connects the floors with each other vertically, creating a connected three-dimensional urban green eco system.
该概念是全球寻找新的混合城市类型的潜在答案，它结合了高密度和丰富的绿化，动态的城市功能和高质量的用户体验，遵循气候保护和环境卓越的需求。在连续的空中公园内，不同的气候被重新创造出来，游客可以在这里体验峡谷、沙丘和各种植物。沼泽、瀑布、热带植被、数字洞穴、瀑布、果树、各种颜色和物种的花朵丰富了绿色生态系统。
The concept is a potential answer to the global search for new, mixed urban typologies, which combine high densities and lavish greenery, dynamic urban functions and a high-quality user experience, following the demand for both climate protection and environmental excellence. Different climates are recreated inside the continuous skypark, where visitors can experience canyons, sandy dunes, and plants from various floras. Swamps, waterfalls, tropical vegetation, digital caves, cascades, fruit-trees, and flowers of various hues and species enrich the green eco system.
为了回馈自然环境，该计划包括了雨水收集和太阳能发电的拟议区域。该设计还可以储存碳，过滤空气中的污染物，为野生植物和食品生产提供避难所。建筑内部的空中公园将为居民提供与自然的连接，并为户外娱乐和更健康的生活方式提供机会。考虑到沿海地区的发展以及它们对海平面上升的脆弱性，建议的类型探索了补救措施，并提出了一种独特的城市模式来应对这一威胁。
In order to give back to the natural environment, the plan includes proposed areas for rainwater harvesting and solar power. The design also stores carbon and filters pollutants from the air, in addition to providing sanctuaries for wild plants and food production. The Skypark within the structure will provide residents with a connection to nature and enable opportunities for outdoor recreation and a healthier lifestyle. Taking into account the coastal development and how vulnerable they are to rising sea levels, the proposed typology explores remedies and proposes a unique urban model in response to this threat.
在交通方面，悬挂的外围吊舱将乘客从市中心圈内的一个节点运送到另一个节点。这些悬挂的船只通过底层的铁路网驶向目的地。20名乘客的吊舱装载在外周环上，并通过与主电梯核心相连的加压容器连接。这些超级太空舱可以以每小时100公里的速度飞行，并在500米的高度360度捕捉整个城市的全景。
As for transportation, a fleet of suspended peripheral pods transport passengers from one node to another within the Downtown circle. These suspended vessels travel through a network of rail at the bottom tier towards their destination. 20-passenger pods are loaded at the outer perimeter ring and are connected through a pressurized vessels attached to the main lift cores. These hyper pods can travel at speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, and capture a 360 view of the entire city at the height of 500 meters.
