The World’s Top 5 Tallest Buildings

1. Burj Khalifa – 2010 – United Arab Emirate Dubai

Burj Khalif is the world’s highest building without any competition. More than just the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa is an unprecedented example of international cooperation, symbolic beacon of progress, and an emblem of the new, dynamic and prosperous Middle East. The construction began in 2004 and finished in 2010. At 828 metres (2,716 feet) and more than 160 stories, Burj Khalifa holds many other records such as, tallest free-standing structure in the world and elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. I wasn’t able to find the exact cost of the tower, but according to several resources, 1.5 billion U.S dollars paid to construct this breathtaking living wonder. “Burj Khalifa is the Arab world’s tribute to the art and science of modern engineering and design. Burj Khalifa symbolizes the aesthetic unison of many cultures – from Arabia and the rest of the world.” – Mohamed Alabbar.

View From The Top Of the Tower

2. Taipei 101 – 2004 – Taipei Taiwan

In 2004, architecture engineers designed an inspiring tower that had 66 floors. But when construction began, they decided to increase its high and floors to 101. This step was taken to bring the world’s attention to a growing financial district. The name of the tower reflects its floor count and carries symbolic meanings alluding to technology and Asian tradition. At 508m, no words can describe the view. Its just a wonder on earth. The multi-use structure houses retail facilities on Levels 1-4; a fitness center on Levels 5-6; offices on Levels 7-84; restaurants on Levels 86-88; observation decks on Levels 89, 91, and 101; and communication facilities on Levels 92-100. Cost around 1.76 billion U.S dollars.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center – 2008

With 101 floors above ground level and soaring to a height of 492m, this project embodies Mori Building’s original “Vertical Garden City” concept and incorporates the company’s vast know-how and experience. Offering office space with cutting-edge specifications and all the functions expected of a world-class international financial center, Shanghai World Financial Center is a hub of culture and information, and boasts state-of-the-art security, standard-setting hospitality and superb urban facilities including world’s highest observatory, sophisticated retail space and elegant conference facilities and a five-star luxury hotel. Cost 1.20 billion U.S dollars and comprises of 101 floors.

4. International Commerce Center – 2010- Hong Kong HK China

Elegant, modern and mind blowing skyscraper, shining downtown Hong Kong China. The construction began in 2002 and completed this year 2010. The International Commerce Center is a unique development featuring a cutting-edge commercial space luxury residential development, modern retail and two 6-star hotels in a single location. This is not just a business address, but a destination – offering to Hong Kong a single location in which to live, work and play, within reach of locals and visitors alike by virtue of being located on major rail lines. The observation deck in International Commerce Centre (ICC) will open in the fourth quarter of 2010. The deck will be on the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building, giving visitors a 360-degree view of the enthralling cityscape. The deck will cost over HK$100 million. The observation deck operator is calling on creative minds around the world to enter an ICC Observation Deck naming contest and come up with a name that reflects the significance of this landmark project. The ICC Tower comprises 118 floors, and reaches 484 m (1,588 ft) in high.

5. Petronas Towers – Malaysia

The structure is high-strength concrete, a material familiar to Asian contractors and twice as effective as steel in sway reduction. n both engineering and design, the Petronas Towers succeed at acknowledging Malaysia’s past and future, embracing the country’s heritage while proclaiming its modernization. The end result, says Pelli, is a monument that is not specifically Malaysian, but will forever be identified with Kuala Lumpur. Each tower has 88 floors and costs 1.6 billion U.S dollars. The towers reach 451.9 m in the air, and give an extraordinary view.



By Qossay Takroori on June 2, 2010 in Featured, Science