Compiled by Sherret Ue | Feb 3, 2011
World’s Tallest Building
Since the dawn of time, man has been trying to build the 'tallest building' or 'tallest tower' ' in the world. Many city's panaromic skyline are now filled with numerous interestingly designed skyscrapers, many of which are icons of 20th century architecture.Empire State Building, New York has once held the title of world’s tallest building in 1931. The revolution happened in 1996 as the CITIC Plaza and Shun Hing Square had arisen. However, Burj Dubai took over the place with 2717ft (828m) in 2009.
Burj Dubai 2717ft (828m) -160 floors
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Burj Dubai is the tallest man-made structure ever built, at 828m (2,717 ft). Construction began on 21 September 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on 1 October 2009 and the building officially opened on 4 January 2010. The building can be viewed from as far as 95km, is covered with 26,000 glass panels.
(Image by The Washington Post)
Taipei 101 1671 ft (509m) - 101 floors
Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 became the world’s tallest building to be constructed in the new millennium. The number “101” represents not only the number of floors, but also the mailing code of Taipei’s international business district.
It was hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of Engineering by The Discovery Channel in 2005 and as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World by Newsweek magazine in 2006.
(Image by The Washington Post)
Shanghai World Financial Center 1614 ft (492m) - 101 floors
Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai dominates the skyline over East China and is destined to become a symbolic icon in Asia. It is the third tallest building in the world. It officially opened its doors to public on 28 August 2008. It is a intergrated skyscraper with excellent urban shopping malls at the lower grounds, a 174-room luxurious five-star hotel at the top floors and sixty-two floors filled with offices. It has a total of 31 elevators and the construction cost was US $1.2 billion.
(Image by Rocking Fact)
Petronas Twin Towers 1483 ft (452m) - 88 floors
Constructed in 1998, world-famous Petronas Twin Towers is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The towers once held the title of the world’s tallest building before being ousted from that position by Taipei 101.However, they remain the tallest twin buildings in the world.
The structure is made of high-strength concrete and has a curtain wall of glass and stainless steel sun shades that help diffuse the intensity of light. The sky-bridge located between the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors is the highest two-storey bridge in the world.
(Image by The Washington Post)
Sears Tower/ Willis Towers 1451 ft (452m) - 108 floors
The Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois was constructed in 1974, and held the title of the world’s tallest building in year 1974. Although it is no longer the tallest building in the world, it still has the world’s highest occupied floors, highest elevator ride and the highest roof deck. The top of the tower is the highest point in Illinois and it is said that four states can be seen from it. The Sears Tower is the fifth tallest building in the world.
(Image by The Washington Post)
Jin Mao Tower 1380 ft (421m) - 88 floors
This 88-storey skyscraper is currently ranked as the tallest building in the People’s Republic of China and the sixth tallest building in the world. Constructed in 1999, it is located in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong district of Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.
The architecture ingeniously combines elements of traditional Chinese culture with the modern architectural styles of the time, which makes it one of the well-constructed buildings in China.
(Image by Rocking Fact)
International Finance Centre (IFC) 1362 ft (415m) - 88 floors
Constructed in 2003, the IFC is the world's seventh tallest building and is 88-storey high. Overlooking the Victoria Harbor it is a prominent landmark in Hong Kong, China. It is designed to house financial firms with advanced telecommunications, featuring raised floors for better cabling and floor plans that are almost without columns.
(Image by The Washington Post)
International Trust and Investment Company (CITIC) Plaza 1283 ft (391m) - 80 floors
CITIC Plaza is located in Guangzhou and was built in 1997. It was once the tallest building in the world and is currently the tallest concrete building in the world. It is now ranked as the fourth tallest building in China, seventh in Asia and eighth in the world. This building is part of a shopping complex which has two other 38-storey residential buildings.
(Image by Dir Journal Info Blog)
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Shun Hing Square 1260 ft (382m) - 69 floors
Shun Hing Square is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It has the distinction of being the tallest all-steel building in China and the fifth tallest building in China. It was built at an incredible speed of four floors within nine days. The spires on the top of the building add to the height and without them, it stands at only 325m tall. The main tower has office, while an accomping 35 floor annex contains apartments, car park and shopping arcade complex. The 69th floor has an observation deck called the Meridian View Center.
(Image by Rocking Fact)
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Empire State Building 1250 ft (381m) - 102 floors
One of the oldest and most famous buildings in the world, it boast 102 floors. Empire State Building is located in New York, United State of America was built in 1931. It has also been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Colorful lights beautify the top of the Empire State Building.
(Image by The Washington Post)
Numerous skyscrapers are in various stages of proposal, planning, or construction. Below are some examples of building at various stages of planning and construction upon completion of each which will claim display in the exclusively of the World Tallest Property:
1)The Abraj Al Bait Towers are under construction in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is expected to be 601m (1,972 ft) tall when completed in 2011.It will then become the second-tallest building in the world. It will also be a building with the largest building in the world with a floor area of 1,500,000 m2 (16,150,000 sq ft) and the tallest hotel in the world.
2)The Tokyo Sky Tree under construction in Tokyo's Sumida district is expected to be 634m (2,080 ft) tall. It will be a broadcasting tower to replace the old Tokyo Tower. Construction began in 2008 and completion is expected in 2011, with public access in the spring of 2012.
3)The Pentominium, under construction in Dubai, is expected to be 516m (1,693 ft) tall and have 120 floors. When completed, it would be the tallest all-residential building in the world. Construction began in 2007 and completion is expected in 2013.
4)The Shanghai Tower, under construction in Shanghai, next to the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Jin Mao Building, is expected to be 632m (2,073 ft). Completion is expected in 2014.
5) India Tower is under construction in Mumbai's Marine Lines, is expected to be 720m (2,360 ft) tall. It is design for use as a hotel and residential. Construction comment started in 2010 and it is expected to be completed by 2016
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