Lean Back, Lean Back

The race to the top continues as developers throughout the Middle East continue to try to secure a place in the record books as the men behind the world’s tallest building.  Now, a contest with a new angle emerges: To be the leaniest building on the block.

The first entrant into this category is Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi, which will lean at an angle of 18 degrees, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Most Inclined Tower. While 18 degrees might sound like a small angle, take into consideration that the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts a mere 4 degrees. The building is being developed by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, who realize that this is an extremely large undertaking; The building will require extra steel reinforcements to compensate for the gravitational, wind, and seismic pressures caused by the tilt of the building. The tower is part of a $2.2 billion business and residential project.

Via Luxist

http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/abu-dhabi-plans-worlds-leaniest-building/