CTBUH 2016 PREDICTIONS

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has revealed predictions for each month of 2016. In January, Dubai is expected to unveil jetpacks for use in highrise firefighting. In February, Torre Reforma in Mexico City is expected to be complete, marking a shift away from glass façades in favor of structural concrete. In March, the trend toward ultra high-end luxury residential high rises is expected to give way to more affordable rentals. In April, construction is expected to begin on 22 Bishopsgate, London’s next tallest office building at 278 m. In May, the 599-m-tall Ping An Finance Center is expected to wrap up construction in Shenzhen, China, becoming China’s second-tallest building. For other views from the organization’s looking glass, visit the website.

80-STORY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED IN BRISBANE

Aria Property Group of Brisbane, Australia, has submitted an application to city authorities to build an 80-story, 274-m-tall tower designed by RotheLowman on retail thoroughfare Edward Street, The Urban Developer reports. With a rather traditional glass-façade design that appears to be partially sheathed in concrete, it would have residential units on most floors with commercial and retail space at the ground and podium levels, in addition to multiple levels of parking. The height is the maximum allowed by the Civil Aviation Authority.

METRO COMMUTERS IN INDIA INJURED IN ESCALATOR MISHAP

An escalator at Girish Station on the Kolkata Metro in India suddenly reversed direction the night of December 17, resulting in nine passengers falling and suffering injuries, The Telegraph reports. Two of the people were hospitalized with injuries including cuts that required stitches. Authorities are investigating the accident, which one official said could have been the result of a drive that regulates speed malfunctioning.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/december-21-2015