Vertical City Dubai: A Floating Megaproject Redefining Urban Living

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Dubai, known for its ambitious and record-breaking architectural marvels, may soon add another futuristic landmark to its skyline—Vertical City. Designed by Italian architecture firm Luca Curci Architects, this revolutionary project aims to be a zero-energy, self-sustainable floating city, redefining urban living with an eco-conscious approach.

Table of Contents

• A Vision for Sustainability
• A Green and Self-Sustaining Design
• Vertical City by the Numbers
• Multiple Access Points for Seamless Connectivity/a>
• A Glimpse Into the Future
• Frequently asked questions

A Vision for Sustainability

First proposed at the Knowledge Summit in Dubai in 2019, Vertical City is designed as a floating urban hub that accommodates 25,000 residents while implementing a zero-waste policy and relying on renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and wind water technology. This project aligns perfectly with Dubai’s growing commitment to sustainability and a net-zero future.

A Green and Self-Sustaining Design

What sets Vertical City apart from traditional skyscrapers is its open structure with green areas on every level, allowing for ample natural light and ventilation. The exterior is clad in photovoltaic glass, which generates energy for the entire structure—and potentially the mainland as well.

The city will also feature ‘green zones’ spread across various levels, promoting community engagement and a healthier lifestyle for its residents. Openings throughout the structure ensure proper airflow and circulation of light, further enhancing the sustainable ecosystem within the tower.

Vertical City by the Numbers

Here are some fascinating figures that highlight the grandeur of this proposed megaproject:

• 750 meters in height
• 180 floors
• 10 modular layers
• 3,750,000 cubic meters of volume
• 200,000 square meters of total area
• 20,000 square meters dedicated to gardens and green spaces
• Hosting capacity: 25,000 residents
• Every modular layer is 72 meters high and has a 155-meter diameter, with 120 meters of open space

The Vertical City will be more than just a residential complex—it will be a complete urban hub featuring:

• Apartments, duplexes, and villas
• Offices and commercial spaces
• Retail stores and entertainment zones
• Spas, meditation centers, and gyms
• Luxury hotel rooms with underwater views
• Multiple underwater floors for parking and technical areas

Multiple Access Points for Seamless Connectivity

One of the most innovative aspects of Vertical City is its multi-modal accessibility. Residents and visitors can reach the city via land, water, or air, making it one of the most well-connected floating megastructures.

• Water Access: The circular basement is designed with external and internal docks, allowing larger boats to dock externally, while smaller boats can access internal docking areas.
• Land Access: A semi-submerged bridge will connect the city to the mainland, accessible to pedestrians, cars, and electric public transport.
• Air Access: Multiple helipads located on the upper garden levels will provide aerial connectivity, making it easier for residents and visitors to travel in and out of the city efficiently.

A Glimpse Into the Future

With its focus on sustainability, luxury, and futuristic urban living, Vertical City is set to become one of the most ambitious and innovative architectural projects ever conceived. If realized, this floating metropolis will not only be a testament to Dubai’s commitment to pioneering development but also a blueprint for future sustainable cities worldwide.

As Dubai continues to push boundaries with cutting-edge architectural innovations, Vertical City could redefine how we imagine modern living—on water.