Top 10 Tallest Buildings in the World
Buildings like the Shanghai Tower pictured above take years to complete. They require massive engineering innovations to counteract forces that would destabilize them. These amazing structures are the pinnacles of humankind. Thanks to incredible engineering innovations like giant tuned mass dampers, narrow profiles and strong steel exoskeletons, they can withstand every natural adversity.
1. Burj Khalifa
With its 163 stories, the Burj Khalifa soars more than half a mile into the sky from downtown Dubai. The building was formerly known as the Burj Dubai until it was renamed after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and a major financier of the project, in January 2010.
Engineers were inspired by the desert flower hemerocallis when designing this landmark structure, with its layered Y shape that allows it to resist high winds and seismic activity. The building also contains the world’s highest occupied floor and observatory deck.
The structure, which took a mere six years to build, is the tallest freestanding structure in the world and holds many other records. More than 12,000 international workers were on site daily, logging 22 million man hours to construct this architectural, engineering and construction marvel.
2. One World Trade Center
Thanks to innovations in engineering and materials, buildings have been reaching sky-high heights that defy the human imagination. From the arrow-like structure of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to the rocket-shaped Lotte World Tower in South Korea, these amazing structures showcase the power of modern-day architecture with their unique designs and imposing presence.
The iconic One World Trade Center opened in 2014 after years of construction and cleanup at the site where the Twin Towers once stood. The building is the centerpiece of a new complex that also includes four other skyscrapers and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
The building reaches a symbolic 1,776 feet — the height of the original Twin Towers. A spire on the roof adds to this height, allowing One World Trade Center to surpass Chicago’s Willis Tower as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
3. Merdeka 118
The pointed spire of Malaysia’s Merdeka 118 tower has reached its final height, making the skyscraper the world’s second tallest building after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The new landmark, also known as PNB 118 and KL 118, stands 2,227 feet above Kuala Lumpur.
Designed by Australian architects at Fender Katsalidis, the massive structure will eventually contain premium office spaces, apartments, a hotel and Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck. The tower and the sprawling mall at its base promise to make a huge economic impact in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Aside from providing unparalleled views of the city, the 3.1 million square foot complex will feature a variety of retail outlets and restaurants. Ample underground parking will reduce traffic congestion in the surrounding area, which is already a headache for many drivers in the Malaysian capital. The structure was recently topped out, and will be ready to welcome its first tenants by 2024.
4. Ping An Finance Center
A towering 115-story skyscraper in Shenzhen, China, the Ping An Finance Center holds the distinction of being one of the world’s tallest buildings. Commissioned by the insurance company Ping An, it was designed by New York-based architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and built by the structural engineering consultancy Thornton Tomasetti.
The building’s distinctive architecture is a visual representation of the company’s brand, as well as the physical and symbolic center of Shenzhen’s Fuitan District. In addition to 100 floors of office space, the building includes a large podium with retail and restaurants.
Its impressive size and design has also earned it the nickname “China Zun” from locals. Using cutting-edge engineering innovations like giant tuned mass dampers, narrow profiles, strong steel exoskeletons, and deep foundations, these incredible structures are designed to resist natural disasters and withstand the elements.
5. Shanghai World Financial Center
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the Shanghai World Financial Center is one of the tallest buildings in the world. The skyscraper is a symbol of the city’s economic power and is located in the Lujiazui district. The building houses offices, shopping centers, and hotel rooms.
The structure is made of diagonally braced corner columns and reinforced concrete in its inner core and outer walls. The top of the tower features an opening shaped like a trapezoid, which lessens the impact of wind pressure on the building. The aperture gives the skyscraper its nickname “the bottle opener.”
This amazing structure is a testament to humanity’s amazing engineering abilities. It is the fifth tallest building in the world and combines both modern design and sustainable features. It’s a must-see when visiting Shenzhen, China. This awe-inspiring building reaches a height of 599 meters (1,966 ft). It’s a true symbol of progress and innovation.
6. China Zun
Designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, the China Zun tower is the newest addition to Beijing’s skyline. The 108-story skyscraper is occupied by CITIC Group and CITIC Bank, and serves as the headquarters of the financial conglomerate.
Its shape is inspired by the flaring form of a “zun,” a ritual vessel with deep symbolism and history in Chinese culture dating back to the Bronze Age. The wider base of the building’s design is also functional, as it increases stability and allows for more floor space.
Its elegant curve also helps reduce wind load by forty percent and minimize the effect of lightning on the structure. This is just one example of how engineers and architects continue to push the boundaries of technology in building construction, creating awe-inspiring structures that exemplify humanities incredible engineering prowess.
7. Shanghai Tower
Located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, the 632 meters high Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest skyscraper and among the world’s top 10. It also holds the title of the highest observation deck. The building was designed by the American architectural firm Gensler.
The building’s transparent, spiral form showcases cutting-edge sustainable strategies and includes class A office space, entertainment venues, retail, a conference center, luxury hotel, and cultural amenity spaces. It uses water conservation measures, including capturing and storing rainwater for reuse.
The design of the structure incorporates patios and gardens, which add to its beauty. Its twisted shape also provides stability and reduces the structural wind load. The exterior of the building is covered by a double-layer glass facade, which increases energy efficiency and helps regulate internal temperatures. The curved surface of the building is also designed to absorb vibrations and noise.
8. Guangzhou Tower
It’s the seventh tallest building in the world and it was built in 2018. The 109-story building, also known as China Zun, contains office space, serviced apartments, and a hotel. It took six years to construct this giant structure.
The Canton Tower, formerly Guangzhou TV Astronomical and Sightseeing Tower was designed by Dutch firm Information Based Architecture and Arup. It is a multifunctional building with a twisted (Hyperboloid) form that is both slender and sleek.
The world’s tallest buildings are not only breathtaking to look at but they also exemplify humanity’s ingenuity. Thanks to the latest engineering innovations like giant tuned mass dampers, narrow profiles, strong steel exoskeletons, and deep foundations, these skyscrapers can withstand the forces of nature. These colossal structures are the pinnacles of our civilization. They represent our ingenuity and our ability to overcome any challenge.
9. Shanghai World Financial Center
The Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) is one of the tallest buildings in the world. It was completed in 2008 and was named the best skyscraper of the year. It is part of the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and houses offices, hotels, conference rooms, and a ground-floor shopping mall.
The top of the SWFC features an opening that is shaped like a trapezoid, which has earned the skyscraper the nickname “the bottle opener.” This shape helps to reduce wind pressure on the building.
The tower has three observation decks, located on the 94th, 97th, and 100th floors. The decks are open to the public and offer breathtaking views of the city below.
10. Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the tallest structure in China and one of the world’s highest buildings. The 128-floor skyscraper is home to offices, hotels, and observation decks and was designed by the Gensler architectural firm.
The building is also a sustainable marvel, boasting a variety of energy-efficient features. It gathers rainwater and recycles gray water, has a hybrid heating and cooling system, and employs 200 wind turbines in its facade to generate power.
The tower’s twisting form enhances its stability and helps it resist the forces of wind. Its shape was originally intended to be a circle, but the designers changed it to a trapezoid after a public backlash. The design was also inspired by the rising sun on the Chinese flag. The tower is surrounded by the other mega-skyscrapers in Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial and Trade Center district.
