In the quest to dominate the skylines, city planners from the Middle East to Asia, Europe to North America, have gone haywire. After a brief lull in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, super-structures have seen a tidal wave in popularity. Despite the inherent dangers of going so big and so high, the plain fact of the matter is that these celestial-skyscrapers draw a lot of attention and become defacto destination points. They literally put their host locations on the world map.
Those ambitious enough to undertake such prodigious projects are a structural engineer’s worst nightmare and conversely, best challenge. The most prestigious architectural firms are at present, under contract to produce towers that will dwarf current giants that we all know by name and facade. These commissions include the Tower of Russia in Moscow, which upon completion in 2010, may be second in the world in height. Others in the quest for sky supremacy include the International Business Center in Seoul, Lotte World II and Suyong Bay Tower, both in Busan, South Korea, Union Square Phase 7 in Hong Kong, Xujiahui Tower in Shanghai and Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center in New York City. No less that a half dozen other super skyscraper enterprises are in the works, from Taipei to Frankfurt.
This Top 10 list however, is about the current leaders in man-made height. In other words, office structures and towers that exist, in reality and not on blueprints, around the world. One note of interest: while there are radio masts and towers that humble the heights of some major skyscrapers, they do not merit inclusion for the sole fact that they harbour little if any architectural and tourist interest. They serve utilitarian purposes and although impressive, are not constructed to awe or woo tourists. Thus, the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota, currently the tallest completed man-made structure in the world, is not on this list. One exception in terms of merit as a tourist attraction however, is the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada. Because it qualifies as an observation tower, it never gets the same kind of publicity as the structures in the list below. Too bad because at 553 metres, only the Burj Dubai is taller.
Needless to say, our eyes are on the most compelling super-structures. While there is constant debate about accuracy – to include spires and antennas or not? – the list is pretty definitive. Here then, are the Top 10 Tallest Buildings in the World.
Burj Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Technically still under secretive construction, in September 2007 the Burj became the top dog skyscraper on the planet. With 160 floors, 56 elevators and a spire visible from almost 100 km, the Burj proves that Dubai is serious about urban development.
With bamboo floral and pagoda features, Taipei 101 represents important aspects of Chinese culture. To take the cultural references even further, architects in charge of the massive project gave the structure a “lucky eight” distinct sections.
Terrific hotel rates in Taipei are a click away.
Shanghai World Financial Center, China
Plagued by financial troubles but now on the verge of completion, Shanghai Financial is the skyline king in China. When the project is done sometime in 2008, the structure will contain a bridge that will be the observation deck of record in the world.
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The most visible landmark in all of Malaysia, let alone KL, the Petronas Towers spire majestically, connected by an observation bridge. Designers were greatly influenced by Islamic tradition in the construction of the 88-story towers, with floors in the shape of octagonal stars.
Sears Tower, Chicago, United States
Built in 1973, the Sears Tower dominates every image of the Chicago urban landscape. The structure covers a full two city blocks and contains no less than 101 acres of useable commercial and office space. Over 1 million tourists visit the observation Skydeck every year.
The Windy City awaits you with great Chicago hotel deals.
Jin Mao Building, Shanghai, China
Another testament to cultural superstitions, super-structure firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill built Jin Mao in 1999 with the number 8 in mind. The office tower has 88 floors and several 8-themed features, in addition to a pagoda-like shape.
Two International Finance Centre, Hong Kong, China
With – what else? – 88 floors, the dominant structure on the congested Hong Kong city skyline boasts a Four Seasons hotel, luxury commercial complex and cineplex. Hong Kong Station beneath the tower connects travelers with the city’s ultra-modern airport.
CITIC Plaza, China International Trust, Guangzhou, China
With a paltry 80 floors – not as lucky as 88 we suppose, but still enough to ward off some misfortune – CITIC Plaza is a behemoth on the busy Guangzhou landscape. Luxury apartment dwellers here need step outside the Plaza for any creature comforts. CITIC boasts a train and metro station in addition to a complete sports complex.
Shun Hing Square, Shenzhen, China
Set amid hyperactive Shenzen, Shun Hing Square was, upon completion in 1996, the top office tower in China. A brilliant glass and steel structure, Shun Hing has no less than a five story mall, luxury apartments and office space, as well as top floor observatory.
Empire State Building, New York City, United States
Built in 1931, the Empire State Building is by far the most historically iconic skyscraper in the world. It boggles the mind to ponder that for over forty years, it was the tallest in the world. The mere fact that the Art Deco masterpiece still cracks the Top 10 is incredible. The indelible staple on the unforgettable Manhattan skyline, the Empire State Building is considered one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World.
I must admit to being rather saddened to see that the biggest building being built in this modern area all seem to be in the middle or far east, but I guess we have our fair share in the west.