10 of the world’s tallest buildings
2013 - Architects are continually vying to
design a structure that will break records as the world’s tallest building.
From the United States to Asia and the Middle East, there are some impressive
super-skyscrapers across the globe. Here is a run-down of the top-ten tallest
towers in the world.
Completed in 2003, the Two
International Finance Centre in Hong Kong is a stunning postmodern skyscraper
with a futuristic glass façade. Standing at around 1,352 feet, it is one of
only a handful of structures in the world housing double-decker elevators.
Previously known as The Sears Tower,
The Willis Tower in Chicago is the tallest building in the United States,
standing at a height of 1,353 feet. The foundation stone of this 110-storey
tower was laid in August 1970 and building was completed in 1973. On the 103rd floor
is a skydeck with unique protruding ledges which allow visitors to look down
over the city of Chicago.
The Trump International Hotel in
Chicago is a sleek glass structure measuring an impressive 1,362 feet.
Comprising 92 storeys, it became the world’s second-tallest building when it
was topped out in 2009.
The Jin Mao Building in Shanghai,
China, replaced King Tower as the tallest structure on the Shanghai skyline
upon its completion in 1999. Measuring around 1,380 feet in height, this
office, hotel and leisure complex has 88 storeys served by 130 elevators.
Standing at 1,444 feet tall,
Guangzhou West Tower in Guangzhou, China, is a 103-storey super-skyscraper
housing offices, hotels and a conference centre. Opened in 2010, the tower is to
form part of the Guangzhou Twin Towers Complex when it is joined by Guangzhou
East Tower, due for completion in 2016.
Looming large over the skyline of
Nanjing, the Greenland Financial Center in Nanjing, China, is a vast
1,476-feet-tall structure with 71 floors. Construction of this glass-clad
building began in 2005 and was completed in 2010, when it was opened to the
public as a hotel and office complex.
Measuring over 1,483 feet, the
Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were completed in 1998 and held the
record for the world’s tallest skyscraper until 2003. Connected by a skybridge
weighing a massive 750 tons on the 42nd and 43rd floors, the Petronas Towers
remain the world’s tallest twin towers.
At 1,614 feet, the Shanghai World
Financial Center in China was envisaged to be a record breaker, surpassing the
Petronas Towers to become the world’s tallest skyscraper. Construction of
the building began in 1997 but was interrupted for several years due to funding
problems. By the time the structure was completed, work had already begun on
Taipei 101, relegating the Shanghai World Financial Center to second place in
the list of the world’s tallest buildings.
Located in the Hsin Yi district of
Taipei in Taiwan, Taipei 101 broke the record for the world’s tallest structure
in 2003 when an additional spire was fitted, completing the 1,676-foot Financial
Center. With 91 floors, the building comprises offices, shops and is home to
the world’s two fastest elevators.
January 2010 saw the opening of the
Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai. Measuring an impressive 2,717 feet, the Burj
Khalifa currently holds the title of the worlds tallest building. The
skyscraper has 160 floors and is home to luxury apartments and hotels and fine
restaurants, as well as offices and corporate suites. Boasting both the tallest
service elevator and the highest observation deck in the world, the Burj
Khalifa is a real record breaker.
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