1. Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is an iconic skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 2,717 feet. The building was designed by the Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and was completed in 2010.
The Burj Khalifa is more than just a building; it is a testament to human innovation and engineering. The construction of the building was a massive undertaking that required the collaboration of over 12,000 workers and engineers from around the world. It took six years to complete, at a cost of around $1.5 billion. The building has 163 floors, with the highest observation deck located on the 148th floor. From this vantage point, visitors can see stunning views of Dubai and the surrounding landscape. The building also features a luxury hotel, apartments, and offices, as well as restaurants, cafes, and retail spaces.
2. Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is a 632-meter (2,073 feet) supertall skyscraper located in the Lujiazui financial district of Shanghai, China. The tower was completed in 2015 and is currently the second tallest building in the world, surpassed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. This is designed by the American architectural firm Gensler, the tower is a stunning example of contemporary architectural design. Its unique, twisting form is intended to reduce wind loads and provide a more stable structure, while also creating a distinctive silhouette that stands out on the city skyline. The tower is divided into nine vertical zones, each with its own unique purpose. The lower floors house retail and commercial space, while the middle floors contain office space for a variety of companies. The upper floors are home to luxury hotel rooms and observation decks, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape. One of the most impressive features of the Shanghai Tower is its use of sustainable design principles.
3. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, also known as the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, is a prominent feature of the skyline in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This iconic structure is located just steps away from the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam and the destination of millions of Muslims from around the world who make the annual pilgrimage known as Hajj. The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower stands at a height of 1,972 feet, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. It is also the tallest clock tower in the world, with the largest clock face measuring 43 meters (141 feet) in diameter. The tower is part of a complex that includes several other high-rise buildings and is home to luxury hotels, apartments, and commercial spaces.
4. Ping An International Finance Centre
Ping An International Finance Centre, also known as Ping An IFC, is a towering skyscraper located in Shenzhen, China. Completed in 2017, it is currently the fourth tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 1,966 feet. The building serves as the headquarters for the Ping An Insurance Group, a leading financial services company in China. This is designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the Ping An IFC features a unique form inspired by the ancient Chinese symbol for "mountain" and "water," representing stability and prosperity. The building consists of two connected towers, with the taller tower reaching a height of 599 meters and the shorter tower standing at 290 meters (951 feet). The towers are linked by a series of sky bridges and are surrounded by a plaza and landscaped gardens.
5. Lotte World Tower
Lotte World Tower is a towering skyscraper located in Seoul, South Korea. With a height of 555 meters (1,819 feet), it is currently the fifth-tallest building in the world and the tallest in South Korea. The tower, which was completed in 2017, is a symbol of South Korea's economic and technological progress, and a source of pride for the country. Construction of the Lotte World Tower began in 2011, and it took six years to complete. The tower was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, a New York-based architectural firm, and was built by Lotte Engineering and Construction, a subsidiary of Lotte Group, a major South Korean conglomerate.
6. One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is a skyscraper located in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It stands on the site of the original World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The construction of One World Trade Center began in 2006 and was completed in 2014. The building was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 1,776 feet (541 meters). The building's design is inspired by the Statue of Liberty and features a tapered form that culminates in a spire at the top. The tower's facade is made up of a glass curtain wall that reflects the surrounding skyline and the changing weather conditions. The building's base is clad in a mix of stainless steel panels and glass, which helps to create a sense of transparency and openness.
7. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is a skyscraper located in the city of Guangzhou, China. With a height of 1,739 feet (530 meters), it is the tallest building in Guangzhou and the fifth tallest building in the world as of 2021. The building was designed by the American architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Construction began in 2010 and the building was completed in 2016. The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre has 111 floors and houses offices, a hotel, and observation decks. The observation decks are located on the 107th and 108th floors and offer breathtaking views of the city.
8. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is a skyscraper located in the city of Tianjin, China. Standing at a height of 1,739 feet tall, it is currently the second-tallest building in China and the fifth-tallest building in the world. The tower was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and features a unique design that incorporates elements of traditional Chinese architecture. The building's facade is clad in silver aluminum panels that are arranged in a vertical pattern, creating a striking visual effect. One of the key features of the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is its energy-efficient design. The building incorporates a range of sustainable features, including a double-skin facade that helps to regulate the temperature inside the building, reducing the need for heating and cooling. The tower also features a rainwater harvesting system, which collects rainwater and uses it for irrigation and other purposes.
9. China Zun
China Zun, also known as the CITIC Tower, is a supertall skyscraper located in the central business district of Beijing, China. The tower was completed in 2018 and is currently the tallest building in Beijing and the seventh tallest building in the world. The name "China Zun" is derived from an ancient Chinese ceremonial vessel called a zun, which is often used in Chinese art and literature as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The building's design is meant to evoke the shape of a zun, with a cylindrical base and tapered upper section. The tower was designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and is owned by the China CITIC Group, a state-owned investment company. The building has a total height of 1,731 feet and 108 floors, with a total floor area of 427,000 square meters (4.6 million square feet).
10. Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is a landmark skyscraper located in the Xinyi District of Taipei, Taiwan. It was officially opened in 2004 and held the title of the world's tallest building until 2010 when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. However, it remains the tallest building in Taiwan and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taipei. The building is 1,667 feet (508 meters) tall and has 101 floors, hence its name. It was designed by the Taiwanese architect C.Y. Lee and constructed by the Taipei-based company, the Taipei Financial Center Corporation. The design of Taipei 101 was inspired by the bamboo plant, a symbol of strength and flexibility in Chinese culture.