2008 - Data Points by Date/Period

Emirates Crown stands as a towering residential edifice in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, boasting 63 floors of luxurious living space. Developed by Bin Shafar Holding and meticulously designed by Design & Architecture Bureau, this architectural marvel reaches a staggering structural height of 296 meters (971 feet). Construction on Emirates Crown commenced in 2005, culminating in its completion in 2008. At the time of its unveiling, it proudly claimed the title of the sixth-tallest building in Dubai and ranked as the 45th-tallest globally. Fast forward to 2022, it maintains its prominence as the 26th-tallest structure in the vibrant cityscape of Dubai. Within its opulent confines, residents can choose from two to five bedroom apartments, alongside some of the most prestigious penthouses gracing Dubai's skyline. The tower offers an array of amenities catering to a lavish lifestyle, including a well-equipped gymnasium, rejuvenating sauna and Jacuzzi facilities, a kids club, inviting swimming pool, steam room, and private storage options. Strategically positioned across from the Dubai International Marine Club in the dynamic Dubai Marina district, Emirates Crown serves as a coveted residence for aficionados of yachting and marine pursuits. Since its inception, it has epitomized elegance and luxury, reflecting the vision of its developers and the creative prowess of its architectural designers.

Cayan Tower, formerly known as Infinity Tower, stands at a height of 306 meters (1,004 ft) with 75 stories, making it a prominent skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Developed by Cayan Real Estate Investment and Development, the tower was designed by the architectural group Skidmore, Owings and Merrill SOM. Notably, upon its inauguration on 10 June 2013, Cayan Tower claimed the title of the world's tallest high-rise building with a distinctive 90-degree twist. However, this record was later surpassed by the Shanghai Tower in February 2015. The unique twisting design of Cayan Tower was achieved by rotating each floor by 1.2 degrees around a cylindrical elevator and service core. This design underwent rigorous dynamic analysis to ensure its stability against wind, seismic, and other dynamic loads. The tower's apartments feature reconstituted wooden floors, Chinese synthetic marble countertops, and high-quality kitchen fixtures. Additionally, the tower includes a five-story parking garage. During construction, the project faced a setback when the foundation site was flooded due to a breach in the Dubai Marina wall on 7 February 2007. After a year and a half delay, construction resumed in July 2008. Cayan Tower was officially inaugurated on 10 June 2013, marked by a grand ceremony featuring fireworks and a laser light display. This event celebrated the tower's status as the world's tallest twisted tower, surpassing the Turning Torso.

Almas Tower, also known as the Diamond Tower (برج الماس in Arabic), stands as a striking 68-storey, 360-meter (1,180 ft) supertall skyscraper in Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Construction of this impressive office building commenced in early 2005, reaching completion in 2008 with the final installment of cladding panels at its summit. It held the distinction of being Dubai's tallest building until 2009, when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa. Situated on its own man-made island within the Jumeirah Lake Towers Free Zone scheme, Almas Tower is the most prominent edifice in the development. Designed by Atkins Middle East, the tower's construction was overseen by the Taisei Corporation of Japan in collaboration with the Arabian Construction Co. (ACC), following a contract awarded by Nakheel Properties on July 16, 2005. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the tower's developer, was the first entity to occupy its premises. In November 2008, the DMCC relocated its corporate headquarters and the Dubai Diamond Exchange to the tower. Today, Almas Tower serves as a hub for the region's diamond, colored gemstone, and pearl industries. In addition to the Dubai Diamond Exchange, it houses the Dubai Gems Club, the Dubai Pearl Exchange, the Kimberley Process Certification offices, and provides access to secure transportation services such as Brinks and Transguard, alongside networking and meeting facilities. The tower also facilitates diamond cutting and exchange, boasting high-security measures due to the nature of transactions conducted within its walls. Notably, Almas Tower achieved the 8th position in the 2009 Emporis Skyscraper Awards. On April 22, 2018, a fire incident occurred in Almas Tower, prompting the evacuation of all residents. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, according to the Dubai Civil Defence.

Established in 1890 by the Knoll family of Würzburg, the Weingut am Stein initially thrived in the cooper trade while nurturing vineyards as a secondary pursuit. As viticulture gained prominence, the family made a decisive move to the base of the Würzburger Stein in 1980, marking a shift toward a more focused winegrowing endeavor. Guiding the estate into its fifth generation, Sandra and Ludwig Knoll assumed leadership in the 1990s. Commitment to ecological practices emerged in 2006 with organic farming, followed by the adoption of biodynamic methods in 2008, shaping the ethos of the entire enterprise. A structural transformation in 2005 redefined the winery's traditional landscape with a modern architectural outlook. Architects Hofmann Keicher and Ring crafted a minimalist ten by ten meter cube, featuring wood, glass, and exposed concrete. The design embraces openness, eschewing conventional doors, and fostering a seamless spatial experience. Encompassing 25 hectares of vineyards, the winery boasts an annual production of approximately 200,000 bottles. Varietal Diversity: - 25% Silvaner - 25% Burgundy (White, Gray, and Blue Pinot Noir) - 20% Riesling, complemented by newer varieties like Rieslaner, Müller-Thurgau, and Scheurebe. Vineyard Focus: The Stettener Stein stands as a paramount site, complemented by other key locations including the Würzburger Innere Leiste, the Würzburger Stein, and the Randersackerer Sonnenstuhl. These vineyards thrive in a soil rich with shell limestone, characterizing the distinct terroir of the estate.

The Islamic Religio-Cultural Center, commonly referred to as the Ljubljana Mosque, stands as an Islamic mosque and cultural center situated in Ljubljana's Bežigrad district, Slovenia's capital. Developed over many years by the Islamic Community of Slovenia, the complex encompasses various facilities, including a library, classroom, ablution fountain, and the Imam's offices and living quarters.The efforts to construct a mosque in Ljubljana, Slovenia, began in the late 1960s but faced challenges and resistance, leading to delays and debates throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. There was opposition, including attempts at referendums, which were challenged in court and ultimately rejected. The political stance on the mosque's construction varied among different national parties. Despite these hurdles, the foundation stone for the mosque complex was laid in 2013. The site and design of the mosque underwent changes, with discussions about size and height, before a final decision was made in 2008. The construction, financed largely by a donation from Qatar, was projected to cost €12 million and was completed and opened to the public in February 2020.

The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, also known as Frančiškanska cerkev in Slovene, stands prominently on Prešeren Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. Serving as the parish church of Ljubljana's Annunciation Parish, its origins trace back to a construction period between 1646 and 1660, likely replacing two or three earlier churches. The bell towers were added around 1720 under the direction of Francesco Olivieri and Francesco Rosina. In 1858, the church's exterior underwent redesigning based on plans by Franz Kurz zum Thurn und Goldenstein. Internally, frescoes by Matevž Langus [sl] in the mid-19th century and ceiling artwork by Matej Sternen in the early 20th century grace the church. The main altar, a prominent feature, was primarily crafted by the Baroque sculptor Francesco Robba in 1736. The church's distinct red or pink hue holds symbolic significance associated with the Franciscan monastic order. Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, the church attained protected status as a national cultural monument of Slovenia in 2008.The interior of the church showcases a basilica design in early-Baroque style, featuring a main altar crafted by sculptor Francesco Robba. Most frescoes, painted by Matevž Langus in the mid-19th century, and additional contributions by Janez Wolf in 1882, suffered damage during the 1895 Ljubljana earthquake. New ceiling frescoes in a Baroque trompe-l'œil style were executed by Matej Sternen in the 1930s. Regarding the facade, built in Baroque style between 1703–1706, it underwent a complete redesign in 1858, overseen by Franz Kurz zum Thurn und Goldenstein. The color was changed to red, replacing the previous white, and adorned with a statue of Our Lady of Loretto atop the entrance, replacing an older Black Madonna statue. The facade showcases pilasters with Ionic and Corinthian capitals, embellished with volutes, and sculptures of God the Father, an angel, and the Virgin Mary by Paolo Callalo. The entrance boasts a 19th-century wooden door featuring relief sculptures of women's heads. Renovations were carried out in the 20th century in 1961 and 1992–93.

The lighthouse, positioned at Piran city's peninsula tip, rests on a Venetian wall bastion, likely restructured between the 16th and 17th centuries from a medieval structure. Notably, it displays coats of arms from 1617 and a 19th-century upper structure. Originally oil-powered, it now operates on electricity, being the sole lighthouse on Slovenia's coast, with a visibility of 11 nautical miles. The complex includes a neo-Gothic bell tower, the oldest in Slovenia, restored in 2008. Adjacent is the Baroque Our Lady of Health Church - Cerkev Marije Zdravja, built in the 18th century on an earlier church dedicated to Saint Clemente, protector of sailors. Notably, its original bas-relief resides in Saint George's church museum.

La Cotihana - Rest and Leisure Base is an agro-tourism destination complex that was envisioned in 2008 in a charming location by the lakeside in the village, surrounded by swans and ducklings. It's a place where you can appreciate the beauty of white and yellow water lilies, diverse plant species, as well as observe swans and wild ducks. They offer various services including gazebo rentals, accommodations, fishing, and a garden. The area boasts seven water gazebos, each capable of accommodating 15-50 people, making them ideal for relaxation or hosting a variety of events, equipped with all the necessities for convenient cooking. Additionally, there are three wooden houses available for overnight stays. For people interested in fishing, fishing rods can be rented, and there are three ponds within the premises.

The Kamchia Sanitary and Health Complex, located on the southern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, is a sprawling facility owned by the Moscow municipal government. It offers various amenities, including hotels, sports halls, a school, and an observatory. The acquisition of the complex in 2008 raised concerns because it violated Bulgarian law at the time and was sold at a price significantly below market value. Recent geopolitical events, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its strained relations with Bulgaria, have prompted worries about the complex's ownership and its potential security risks. Some Bulgarian activists and officials have called for the government to take back the land, citing concerns about activities within the complex that may threaten national security. However, proving fraudulent acquisition could be challenging. The controversy surrounding the complex highlights Bulgaria's complex relationship with Russia, which includes economic ties and pro-Russian sentiments among the public. Despite sanctions and measures against Russia, the Kamchia complex continued to operate until 2022 when it suspended operations due to geopolitical and economic challenges. In 2023, political activists in Bulgaria began actively campaigning for the complex's seizure from Russia, arguing that it violates Bulgarian law and poses a national security threat. Concerns have also been raised about potential espionage activities within the complex, given Russia's history of using its embassies for such purposes abroad.

The multi-purpose stadium in Brașov, Romania, previously referred to as Stadionul Tineretului and now named Stadionul Silviu Ploeșteanu, serves primarily for football matches. It presently serves as the home venue for SR Brașov and Corona Brașov. The stadium's renaming occurred on April 13, 2002, in honor of Silviu Ploeșteanu (1913–1969), who led the club from 1948 to 1968. The central part of the North stand within the stadium holds the distinction of being the second oldest in Romanian football, with its side segments being finished in 1980. Construction of the South stand took place in 1956, followed by the opening of the East and West stands during the 1969–1970 season. However, the East stand was eventually demolished in the summer of 2008.

2008 (50)

Other Dates/Periods

11-07-2010 - 07-08-2010

19-12-2021

22-11-1977

04-06-2021

27-06-1977

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