Throughout history, there has been an endless battle for the title of the world’s tallest building. These towering structures fascinate us as they display man’s excellence.
With advancements in materials and engineering, architects continue to push the limits of what’s possible. They keep crafting daring and magnificent skyscrapers in many major cities across the world. As such, the building you think is the tallest may pale compared to other structural what’s the tallest building in the world colossus.
With hundreds of soaring towers dispersed around the world, only one retains the title of the tallest building. So, how tall is the world’s tallest building? Follow along in this guide to find out.
What’s the Tallest Building in the World
Architecture and structural engineering advancements have been massive in the last two decades. These led to the construction of towering skyscrapers, a defining feature of many major global cities. Yet, with numerous skyscrapers available today, you can’t help but wonder, what’s the tallest building in the world?
This title has journeyed through several remarkable structures. In March 1996, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, became the tallest office building globally. This 88-story tower measured a height of 451.9 meters (1,482 feet and 8 inches).
In 2003, the Taipei World Financial Center (Taipei 101) took the crown, soaring to a remarkable 508 meters (1,666 feet). Then, just a year later, construction began on the Burj Khalifa. To date, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building.
This massive skyscraper has become the centerpiece of Dubai in the UAE. Famous American architect Adrian Smith led the construction project. The Burj Khalifa eventually earned the moniker of a “vertical city,” becoming a modern world icon.
The planners aimed to make the Burj Khalifa 10 meters taller than Taipei 101. People doubted if it was possible to make it happen, but the construction team impressed everyone by adding an additional 310 meters. On January 4, 2010, the Burj Khalifa officially opened its doors. This tower then clinched the record for the tallest building in the world, a feat acknowledged by Guinness World Records.
How Tall Is the World’s Tallest Building?
The Burj Khalifa attests to man’s architectural excellence in modern times. The building was hard to build, but it still stands tall among other tall buildings in the UAE and the world. Now let’s find out – how tall is the world’s tallest building?
Discovering the exact height of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is astonishing. This architectural giant soars to a record-breaking 828 meters (2,716 feet and 6 inches). Burj Khalifa eclipses the Empire State Building in New York by more than twice its height. It also dwarfs the Eiffel Tower in Paris, standing nearly three times taller.
The Burj’s height is record-breaking. Yet, are there other records that this tower manages to break?
Other Fascinating Records About the World’s Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa’s record-breaking attributes don’t end with its sky-piercing height. Guinness World Records officially recognizes many other remarkable achievements associated with this world’s tallest building. Let’s take a brief look at them:
- Burj Khalifa has one of the tallest elevators in a building, ascending to a breathtaking 504 meters (1,654 feet).
- It has the title of the building with the most floors, a total of 163.
- The Burj Khalifa has the highest restaurant from ground level. Its height reaches 441.3 meters (1,447 feet and 10 inches).
- The observation deck is very impressive, located at a high point of 555.7 meters (1,823 feet and 1.9 inches). At one point, it was the world’s highest observation deck. But China’s Shanghai Tower later took the title, reaching 561.3 meters (1,841 feet) in 2015.
- On New Year’s Eve 2015, the Burj Khalifa became a canvas for a breathtaking fireworks display. In a short show, 1.6 tonnes of fireworks lit up the night sky for less than 10 minutes. This sets a new record for the highest fireworks on a building.
World’s Top 10 Tallest Buildings
In the world of architecture and design, buildings constantly push the boundaries of height and innovation. Today, the world’s tallest buildings are examples of human creativity to tackle urban congestion and overpopulation issues. They represent a blend of new technology and sustainable design. These marvels continue to surprise many today.
To learn more, here is a list of the world’s top 10 tallest buildings:
#1 World’s Tallest Building: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (2,717 Feet or 828 Meters)
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Designed by: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM) Architects
Year Completed: 2010
The Burj Khalifa reigns as the tallest structure in Dubai and the tallest skyscraper globally. Its mixed-use design incorporates hotels, corporate suites, restaurants, and overlook decks. The building’s innovative design and structural system comprises structural steel and concrete, adept at handling formidable wind forces.
World’s 2nd Tallest Building: Merdeka 118, Malaysia (2,227 Feet or 678 Meters)
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Designed by: Fender Katsalidis + RSP KL
Estimated Year of Completion: 2023
The Merdeka 118 is the tallest structure in Malaysia and the world’s 2nd tallest building. Its proximity to Stadium Merdeka gives this 118-story tower its name, “Merdeka.” This building is a mixed-use masterpiece housing shopping complexes, offices, hotels, observation decks, housing properties, and Marete. Its exterior features a diamond-shaped glass façade, celebrating Malaysian diversity.
Tokyo Skytree, Japan (2,080 Feet or 634 Meters)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Designed by: Nikken Sekkei
Year Completed: 2012
Tokyo Skytree is an architectural wonder in Japan. It is the world’s third-tallest skyscraper and one of the tallest free-standing towers in the world. The building has a central reinforced concrete column for stability. The column also serves as emergency staircases and an elevator shaft.
This tower combines futuristic design with traditional Japanese beauty. It also features earthquake resistance thanks to an integrated mass damper.
Shanghai Tower, China (2,073 Feet or 632 Meters)
Location: Shanghai, China
Designed by: Gensler
Year Completed: 2015
The Shanghai Tower earns the title of China’s tallest skyscraper and shares proximity with Shanghai World Financial Center. It offers a mixed-use layout with offices, hotels, cultural facilities, and observation decks. Its twisting form provides stability, minimizing the impact of structural wind loads. This structure relies on a robust concrete core and exhibits exceptional stability and energy efficiency.
Canton Tower, China (1,982 Feet or 604 Meters)
Location: Guangzhou (Canton), China
Designed by: Mark Hemel & Barbara Kuit
Year Completed: 2010
The Canton Tower lives along the skyline of Guangzhou, China. This tower, designed by Dutch architects Mark Hemel and Barbara Kuit, is the world’s fifth-tallest building. Its twisted hyperboloid form and slim silhouette have earned it the nickname “Super Model.”
Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Saudi Arabia (1,972 Feet (601 Meters)
Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Designed by: Dar al – Handasah Shair and Partners + SL Rasch
Year Completed: 2012
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower complex, located in Makkah Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, comprises 120 floors. It features seven towers at the top of a fifteen-story platform next to the Grand Mosque. This tall building has homes, a luxury hotel, a mall, and places for Hajj pilgrims to stay.
Ping An Finance Center, China (1,966 Feet or 599 Meters)
Location: Shenzhen, China
Designed by: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (US firm)
Year Completed: 2017
The Ping An Finance Center in Shenzhen has 115 floors that include hotels, malls, offices, retail spaces, and conference centers. This skyscraper is important in Shenzhen’s busy business district. It is the second tallest building in China and the seventh tallest in the world. Its tapered topmost section effectively reduces wind loads and minimizes lightning effects through stainless steel piers.
Lotte World Tower, South Korea (1,819 Feet or 555 Meters)
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Designed by: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
Year Completed: 2017
The Lotte World Tower, a 123-story skyscraper, is an iconic business landmark in South Korea. The tower’s fluid form helps to withstand formidable wind and earthquakes up to magnitude 9. This mixed-use skyscraper offers prime offices, luxury hotels, retail outlets, residences, and observation decks. The foundation weight of the tower is seven times greater than that of the Eiffel Tower.
One World Trade Center, United States (1,776 Feet or 541 Meters)
Location: New York City, US
Designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill LLP (SOM) Architects
Year Completed: 2014
The One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, graces the skyline of New York City. An innovative icon amidst the fallen towers features eight triangles, creating a colorful form that tapers toward the summit. This tower symbolizes resilience and strength.
Guangzhou CTF Finance Center, China
Location: Guangzhou, China (1,739 feet or 530 meters)
Designed by: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
Year Completed: 2016
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Center, situated in Guangzhou, China, ranks as the third tallest structure in China. This 111-story mixed-use tower has residences, offices, hotels, and sky terraces. Its design transitions seamlessly through four sections, reducing floor plates as one ascends the tower.
The World’s Tallest Residential Building
While the world’s tallest buildings continue to dominate, residential buildings are quietly reaching new heights. These residential buildings combine luxury living with breathtaking views. The title of the world’s tallest residential building goes to the Central Park Tower, Manhattan, New York City. At an impressive 472 meters (1,550 feet), it redefines luxury living and offers a fantastic view of Central Park.
The Central Park Tower’s design is both functional and visually stunning. The firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture was pivotal in creating this remarkable structure. Engineers designed the tower with a sleek, tapered shape. This design minimizes wind resistance and ensures the stability of the building.
The Central Park Towers offers luxurious residential buildings. The tower features high-end condos that offer residents unparalleled views and access to various amenities and services. These include a private club, a screening room, a fitness center, and even a ballroom.
Residents can gaze out over Central Park, the Hudson River, and the iconic Manhattan skyline from their homes. The tower’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide an unobstructed panorama of the city that never sleeps.
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The world’s tallest buildings are architectural marvels and symbols of human progress and innovation. These structures push the boundaries of possibility in construction and design. Certainly, you want to explore these buildings and know more about them. This will require a detailed map containing vivid descriptions of the tallest buildings in the world.
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