Called as Analemma Tower by Cloud Architecture, the skyscraper would travel a figure-eight route over the Earth's surface, slowing its orbit over New York City, and returning to the same point every 24 hours.
Analemma Tower would rove across the world, embarking on a daily loop between the northern and southern hemispheres, including a daily pass over Midtown Manhattan. Clouds Architecture Office
The building could be constructed and transported anywhere in the world as it would not have the traditional "Earth-based foundation" but hung from a large asteroid placed into the Earth's orbit. It is a system known as the Universal Orbital Support System, or UOSS.
The proposal calls for Analemma to be constructed over Dubai, which has proven to be a specialist in tall building construction at one fifth the cost of New York City construction. It would receive its power from solar panels, use recycled water and house sleeping quarters two-thirds up the skyscraper.
At its peak, Analemma would give residents more 45 minutes more daylight per day at 32,000 meters high, the plans say. Going outside would present problems for residents though, as temperatures would reach minus 40 degrees Celsius.
The architects plan to take full advantage of the skyscraper's location and will place solar panels at the upper most levels to generate power from the sun. Residents will also have access to fresh water from condensation of clouds and rainwater, which will be collected and purified. Because the tower will be traveling on a looping path, the views will change throughout the day depending on the height of the tower. The architect firm plans to design shape-shifting windows that change size and height in order to deal with pressure and temperature differentials.
The initial proposed design includes separate parts of the tower dedicated to business; sleeping quarters; devotional activities; a gardening and agricultural centre; "transfer stations" that allow for the transfer of people and goods between the earth's surface and the orbiting structure; and space for dining, shopping and entertainment.
The architect says, "Harnessing the power of planetary design thinking, it taps into the desire for extreme height, seclusion and constant mobility. He also think the building will pay for itself, "If the recent boom in residential towers proves that sales price per square foot rises with floor elevation, then Analemma Tower will command record prices, justifying its high cost of construction."
