photo via Melanie on Picasaweb.comSkyscrapers are icons of the modern age, masculine symbols of man’s triumph over Mother Nature, who is left in the dust until death, when humans return to their original birthing place on land.

Living at Ground Zero in New York reminds me that skyscrapers symbolize what more nomadic people believe is the battle of civilizations. To some economists, new skyscrapers in America and Dubai — both mortgaged to the hilt in pursuit of being top dogs in the world — cause concern in light of the global financial crisis.

In our post Sept. 11 world, skyscrapers have dual meanings then as modern symbols of imperial power and uncontrolled consumption, as well as glorious human achievements of architectural design and national status.

The structure’s architects, Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, have called the Burj “a bold global icon that will serve as a model for future urban centers.” via CNN

Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum leads celebrations today to unveil the 2,684 ft, glorious monument to modern-day Icarus men and women. (See live video) According to the Daily Mail, the Burj Dubai — now renamed the Burj Khalifa, a ‘name to reflect greatness’ — isn’t finished.

I’ve read that the Burj Khalifa is inspired by a flowering burj plant, although it looks like another desert symbol to me. Perhaps the design evolved as tens of new floors were added in the progression of the project.

Photo via Picasaweb.comThe National Newspaper is covering events in Dubai and gives us an aerial view from the top of Burj Khalifa.

A view of Dubai from on top Burj KhalifaOn my end, I’m researching the biomimicry and environmental roots of the project and lots more information about the burg flower that’s dramatic indeed, but lives far closer to the ground than the cactus above. Rest assured that the Burg Khalifa will be enviromentally preemptive, in terms of green design. Anne