Abu Dhabi, Dec 7 (IANS) The Capital Gate, world’s largest ‘leaning’ structure under construction in Abu Dhabi, may get a place in the Guinness Book of Records, a local daily reported.
“An application to the Guinness Book of Records has been submitted for the category of The World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower, and will be judged following the completion of Capital Gate’s external facade towards the end of this year,” said Tony Archibold, Associate Director at global architects RMJM, the designer of the structure, WAM news agency quoted the Khaleej Times as saying Monday.

The gate being erected at a cost of AED 8 billion ($2 billion) will be a techno-marvel that will lean 18 degrees, 14 degrees more than the Seventh Wonder of the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa which has a tilt of 3.99 degrees at present.

The central core of the structure has reached its final height of 525 ft.

“The topping out of the central core is a major milestone in the building’s construction and we’re moving forward swiftly with other elements as well,” said Archibold.

The completion of the glazing work on the external facade is expected to be over by the first week of December.

The work started on the site in August 2007 and the shell and core were completed in approximately 27 months.

The base of the structure is a 2-metre-thick reinforced concrete slab to help it bear the massive forces resting upon it.

The 35-storey gate will house Abu Dhabi’s first Hyatt group hotel named ‘Hyatt at Capital Centre,’ a presidential style luxury 5-star hotel that will provide 189 rooms.

This marvel will also offer the most exclusive office spaces. It is also by far the tallest structure in the area with panoramic views and is visible from most parts of the capital.

“The result is a building that is a delight to be in and which also serves as a key landmark and focal point for Abu Dhabi,” said Archibold.