Dubai is a city known for its stunning skyline, and one of the key architects behind some of the city’s most iconic landmarks is Yahya Jan, president, and design director of the architecture and engineering firm NORR. Among the projects Jan has been involved in are the Atlantis and Shangri-La hotels. Now, Jan is working on one of his most ambitious creations yet: the Ciel Tower, set to become the world’s tallest hotel upon completion in 2023.

The Ciel Tower will have more than 1,000 rooms and suites spread over 82 floors and stand at a towering 1,200 feet (365 meters) tall. The challenge for Jan and his team was to design a skyscraper for the project on a triangular plot of land at Dubai Marina with an area of only 2,500 square meters. “It’s a property that’s very compressed,” Jan said. “It’s like what you would face in Manhattan or London.” “The constraints were tremendous, and yet we had to make it work.” Jan and his team have not only risen to the challenge of designing a towering skyscraper on a small plot of land, but they have also incorporated sustainable elements into the design. The Ciel Tower will use 25% less power for air conditioning than is typical for similar buildings.

Jan emphasizes that “this project is not just about architecture.” “It’s about architecture and engineering coming together.” Visitors to the Ciel Tower will be able to take in the stunning views of the city from a glass observation deck and rooftop swimming pool, while also taking comfort in knowing that the building is energy efficient.