Especially in recent years, the advancements in construction materials and methods have allowed buildings to stretch further towards the sky. When we add architects and engineers applications of aerodynamics and their better understanding of aviation, we can say that in the future, skyscrapers that push the boundaries of the sky await us. At this point, constructing a skyscraper that could make it onto the list of the highest buildings in the world is a dream for many architects. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 highest buildings in the world known for their contemporary designs, technological innovations, architectural plan, and contributions to a sustainable world.
The 10 Highest Buildings in the World
Throughout architectural history, many buildings have held the title of the highest buildings in the world for certain periods and durations. Today, the list of the highest buildings in the world is updated more frequently. Alongside the advancements in construction technologies, methods, and engineering practices, the height of buildings continues to increase. Let’s take a look at the world’s top 10 skyscrapers while the list remains unchanged.
1. Burj Khalifa
Completed in 2010, the Burj Khalifa occupies a 2 km2 area in the center of Dubai. With a height of 828 meters, among the highest buildings in the world, it currently holds the title of the world’s tallest building. Among constructed buildings, this tower boasts the highest number of floors at 163, accommodating residential and office spaces, restaurants, shopping centers, and luxury hotels.
Designed by the Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the structure features not only the world’s highest observation deck and elevator but also the world’s highest restaurant and nightclub. Constructed using reinforced concrete, aluminum, and steel, the building has over 24,000 windows.
2. Merdeka 118
Merdeka 118, which is almost completed, among the highest buildings in the world, it is the world’s second tallest building and the tallest building in Southeast Asia. Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the building stands at a height of 679 meters. Designed by Australian architects Fender Katsalidis and the local architectural firm RSP Architects Sdn Bhd, the building is set to officially open in late 2023.
The name Merdeka takes its inspiration from Malaysia’s Independence Day. The number “118” in the name represents the total number of floors in the building.
3. Shanghai Tower
Located in the city of Shanghai, China, the Shanghai Tower was completed in 2015 and stands at a height of 632 meters. The 128-story tower features office spaces, concert halls, and a swimming pool on its 84th floor. Additionally, the tower is home to the world’s second-fastest elevator, which travels at a speed of 20. 5 meters per second.
While the Shanghai Tower isn’t the highest building in the world, it holds the distinction of having the highest usable floor height. Its observation deck at a height of 562 meters is a joint record holder for the world’s highest observation deck.
4. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, consisting of 120 floors and reaching a height of 601 meters, is located in the center of Mecca. This unique clock tower, with a construction period of 6 years, is ranked third among the highest buildings in the world. With a construction cost reaching $15 billion, it is the world’s most expensive building and the largest in terms of floor area. The clock faces on each of the tower’s four sides boast a diameter of 43 meters, making them the largest in the world in this category.
5. Ping an International Finance Centre
The Ping An International Finance Centre, with a total floor area of 500 square meters on its 115th floor, among the highest buildings in the world it is the second-largest skyscraper by floor area. Standing as China’s second tallest and the world’s fourth tallest building, the skyscraper reaches a height of 599 meters.
A 60-meter antenna that was originally planned to be added to the structure, which could have made it China’s tallest building, was abandoned due to concerns about air traffic interference. The facade of the building, composed of stainless steel and glass, was completed in 2017.
6. Lotte World Tower
Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea, the tallest building in South Korea, stands at approximately 554. 5 meters in height. Within the 123-story building, you can find the world’s largest indoor theme park, outdoor park, luxury hotels, residences, office spaces, theaters, and shopping centers.
Constructed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 9, the building is also resilient against strong winds and storms. The top 10 floors of the building are reserved for entertainment areas such as observation decks and a rooftop café.
7. One World Trade Center
Also known as the Freedom Tower, the One World Trade Center was constructed on the site of the World Trade Center complex in New York. The 94-story building stands at approximately 541 meters in height and is primarily used as office space. With 71 elevators in the building, it takes only 60 seconds to reach from the ground floor to the top floor.
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
The Guangzhou CTF Financial Centre, located in Guangzhou, China, stands at approximately 530 meters in height. Constructed in 2010, the building is China’s third and the world’s seventh tallest. Within the 111-story structure, there are offices, residences, hotels, and conference areas.
The exterior of the tower is covered with glass and glass-ceramic, and it houses the world’s fastest elevator. With a speed of 72 km/h, this elevator allows you to reach the hotel lobby on the 95th floor from the ground floor in just 42 seconds.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
The 97-story Tianjin CTF Financial Centre, standing at a height of 530 meters, is ranked 7th among the highest buildings in the world. The tower houses numerous luxury offices, serviced apartments, and a five-star hotel. Designed with the intention of providing protection against strong winds and conserving glass usage, the tower has an intricate design.
Constructed with sustainability in mind, the building features natural light, efficiency, and expansive landscaped areas. Within the building, there is a column system of ‘soft braces’ to help maintain stability during earthquakes.
10. China Zun
Also known as the Citic Tower, the China Zun Tower is the tallest building in Beijing. Due to new laws that prohibit the construction of buildings taller than 180 meters in the city, it is likely to maintain this title for a long time. Opened in 2018, the building stands at approximately 527 meters in height and houses offices, hotels, and luxury apartments. Within the 109-story skyscraper, in addition to rooftop gardens, there are also eight additional underground levels.
The building’s nickname, China Zun, is derived from an ancient Chinese drinking vessel that inspired the design of the building.
