11 Civil engineering projects that might define the future

2. Jeddah Tower, Saudi Arabia Is a Skyscraper of the Future

Construction works began: 2013

Expected completion date: Unknown

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: When completed it will be the tallest skyscraper in the world standing at 1 km tall. It will also be sustainable, and built under the auspices of the architectural philosophy of Global Environmental Contextualism.

3. Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt

Construction works began: 2002

Expected completion date: Late 2023

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: The structure has an area of 5.2-million-square-foot structure and has an atrium housing a huge statue of Ramses II.

Description: The long-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum, costing over $1 billion, is set to open its doors in 2023. Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, the expansive structure features exhibition spaces, a conservation center, and a triangular motif in homage to the nearby Pyramids of Giza.

4. Azabudai Hills, Japan

Construction works began: 2019

Expected completion date: October 2023

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: The Azabudai Hills is a giant plant-filled pergola that accompanies the tallest skyscraper in Japan. This unique design incorporates lush greenery, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

Description: Heatherwick Studio's first project in Japan, part of the Toranomon-Azabudai district in Tokyo, features a giant plant-filled pergola alongside the country's tallest skyscraper. The design aims to provide a more human-centered alternative to typical city developments, incorporating lush greenery and creating a modern urban village atmosphere.

5. The Alvarado Water Treatment Plant Will Double San Diego's Water Filtration Capacity

Construction works began: 2008

Expected completion date: 2028

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: The project is designed to double the current daily filtration capacity of San Deigo to 800,000 m3 a day, it will also be partially solar-powered.

It has also been designed to last at least 75 years and is being built in anticipation of the city's projected population growth.

Description: The plant will be built over a period of 5 phases and will be one of three that will serve San Diego. These phases comprise a chemical treatment plant, flocculation and sedimentation basins, and upgrades to electrical and control systems. The third phase will increase the plant's capacity from 150 million gallons a day to 200. 

6. Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre in Zhuhai, China

Construction works began: 2017

Expected completion date: 2023

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: The defining features of the Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre are its roofscape inspired by migratory birds and its integration of four distinct cultural institutions. The center's unique design elements and coherent structure create an engaging and visually striking cultural hub above an artificial lake in Zhuhai, China.

Description: It will house an art museum, a theatre, a science center, and a flexible hall, all situated above an artificial lake.

7. The Man-Made River Project, Libya Will Be The Biggest Irrigation Project Ever

Construction works began: 1985

Expected completion date: 2030

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: When completed it will be the biggest irrigation project ever undertaken. It will consist of 2800 km of pipes, 1,300 wells and will transport 6.5 million m3 a day. 

8. MOSE, the Venetian Tidal Barrier, Could Be the Future of Flood Protection

Construction works began: 2003

Expected completion date: 2025

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: The barrier is unique in its design of the use of mobile gates that can be raised to protect Venice from flood water. Although not huge in scale they could have future applications in other cities.

9. Chengdu Greenland Tower in China

Construction works began: 2014

Expected completion date: 2024

Description: Chengdu Greenland Tower, a supertall skyscraper under construction in Chengdu, China, features a unique design inspired by ice mountain topography. With a height of 468 meters and 101 floors, it will become the tallest building in Chengdu, incorporating office space, a luxury hotel, and high-efficiency sustainability systems. Once completed it will be the tallest building in Chengdu and southwestern China.

10. NBBJ's 'Shadowless' Skyscrapers Could be the Future of Skycrapper Fascade Design

Construction works began: N/A - Concept

Expected completion date: N/A - Concept

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: NBBJ has created a concept for a mixed-use development of London's Greenwich Peninsula. Their design involves an innovative rethink of the buildings' exterior to redirect and diffuse sunlight 'to visibly reduce shadows at the towers' base by 60% over typical buildings, providing more daylight for pedestrians and people in nearby buildings.

11. Tianshan Gate of the World Plots 27 and 28 in Shijiazhuang, China

Construction works began: 2019

Expected completion date: 2025

Defining feature/innovation/emerging technology/new technology: The unique design feature of Tianshan Gate of the World Plots 27 and 28 is its curving form and rhythm, inspired by Chinese cultural elements such as the Chinese Zither and sleeves dance. This design concept creates a harmonious and visually striking skyscraper in the Shijiazhuang district, China.

Description: Tianshan Gate of the World Plots 27 and 28 in Shijiazhuang, China, will feature a 450-meter mixed-use skyscraper designed by Aedas. The complex includes office towers, service apartments, retail spaces, and a conference center, embodying the concept of harmony and inspired by Chinese cultural elements.