Top 10 Tallest Buildings In The World

Looking up at towering skyscrapers can be an awe-inspiring experience, and there’s no shortage of impressive buildings around the world. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 10 tallest buildings in the world, from the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the towering China Zun in Beijing.

We’ll take a closer look at each building’s history, features, and unique characteristics, as well as their impact on their respective cities and countries. Whether you’re a fan of architecture, engineering, or simply enjoy admiring the impressive feats of human achievement, this list is sure to leave you amazed and inspired. So, without further delay, let’s take a closer look at the world’s tallest buildings and the incredible stories behind them.

Top 10 Tallest Buildings In The World

 

Burj Khalifa

 

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing tall at 828 meters (2,716 feet) in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was completed in 2010 and holds multiple world records, including the tallest freestanding structure, the highest number of stories, and the highest observation deck in the world. The building was designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP and was inspired by the Hymenocallis flower. The construction of Burj Khalifa took six years and cost around $1.5 billion.

The building has an impressive 163 floors and houses, offices, residential apartments, restaurants, and the Armani Hotel. The exterior of the building is clad in reflective glass and steel, which changes color depending on the angle of the sun. The building also features the world’s fastest elevator, which can reach a speed of 64 km/h (40 mph), taking visitors to the observation deck on the 124th floor in just 60 seconds.

 

The observation deck, known as “At The Top”, offers stunning views of the city of Dubai and the surrounding desert. Visitors can also enjoy the multimedia presentation that takes them through the history and construction of Burj Khalifa. The building is surrounded by a large park, and the Dubai Fountain, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular fountains, is located at its base.

Burj Khalifa is not just a building; it is a symbol of the ambition and progress of Dubai and the UAE. It has become an iconic landmark of the city, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world each year.

 

Merdeka 118

As the second world tallest buildings 2023, Merdeka 118 surpasses both the Tokyo sky tree and the Shanghai tower, but it is still shorter than the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The buildings construction and the structure are the pride of any country.

The name “Merdeka” means “independence” in Malay, and the tower is named in honor of Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957. The tower’s height, 678.9 meters or 2,227 feet, is symbolic of the country’s Independence Day on August 31st, 1957.

The building’s design is inspired by Malaysian traditional handicrafts, and features a lattice-like exterior made of steel and glass. The tower’s design is also inspired by the hibiscus, the national flower of Malaysia.

The cost of constructing Merdeka 118 is estimated to be around $1.18 billion USD. The tower’s construction began in 2014, and it is being developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad, a Malaysian government-linked investment company.

 

Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is a super tall skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It stands at an impressive height of 632 meters (2,073 feet) with 128 floors above ground and 5 below ground. The construction of this building began in 2008 and was completed in 2015.

The design of Shanghai Tower is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, with the outer layer of the building forming an asymmetrical spiral that twists around the core. This design feature not only provides a stunning visual appearance but also serves to reduce wind resistance and increase structural stability in this area which is prone to typhoons and earthquakes.

Shanghai Tower is not just a part of  world most tallest buildings; it is a symbol of innovation and sustainability. It boasts a number of energy-saving and environmentally friendly features, including wind turbines located at the top of the building, a double-skin facade to reduce heat loss, and a rainwater harvesting system. Additionally, the building has 106 elevators with the capability of reaching speeds of up to 74 km/h (46 mph).

The cost of constructing Shanghai Tower was approximately $2.4 billion. The tower is now home to a range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, offices, and observation decks offering breathtaking views of Shanghai.

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Abraj Al Bait

Abraj Al Bait is a skyscraper complex located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is also known as the “Royal Clock Tower” due to the presence of a clock face on the tower that is said to be the largest in the world. The complex consists of seven towers, with the tallest tower measuring 601 meters (1,971 feet) in height.

Construction on the complex began in 2004 and was completed in 2012, with a total cost of approximately $15 billion. The purpose of Abraj Al Bait was to provide luxury accommodation for pilgrims who travel to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The complex is located just a few hundred meters from the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam, and can accommodate up to 100,000 people.

Aside from the clock face, Abraj Al Bait also features a shopping mall, a prayer hall, and a conference center. The prayer hall is the largest in the world, with a capacity of 10,000 people. The shopping mall features high-end retail outlets, while the conference center hosts events for up to 1,500 people.

Despite its impressive height and luxurious amenities, Abraj Al Bait has been subject to criticism from some quarters. Some have raised concerns about the impact that the complex has had on the historic and cultural identity of Mecca, while others have expressed concerns about the cost of the project and the displacement of local residents during construction.

 

Ping An Finance center

The Ping An Finance Center is a remarkable skyscraper located in the bustling city of Shenzhen, China. This building was designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and was completed in 2017. With a height of 599 meters, the Ping An Finance Center stands as the fifth world tallest building 2023.

The construction of this building was not an easy task. It took a team of 20,000 workers over five years to complete the building, which cost around $1.5 billion to build. The tower has 115 floors, and it serves as the headquarters for Ping An Insurance, one of the largest insurance companies in China. The building also houses offices, retail space, and a hotel.

The Ping An Finance Center is not only tall but also features an impressive design. The building has a sleek and modern look, with its faceted glass exterior that creates a diamond-like effect when viewed from a distance. The tower also has a unique form that resembles a bamboo shoot, which is a nod to traditional Chinese culture.

One of the key features of the building is its observatory deck, which offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can take high-speed elevators to the 116th floor, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The Ping An Finance Center is an impressive example of modern architecture, and it stands as a symbol of China’s growing economic power and influence in the world.

 

Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is an iconic skyscraper located in Seoul, South Korea. It was completed in 2017 and has since become a landmark of the city. The tower was built by the Lotte Group, a conglomerate with interests in various industries such as retail, food, and entertainment. The tower was built at the site of the former Lotte World amusement park, which was demolished to make way for the tower.

At a height of 555 meters (1,819 feet), Lotte World Tower is the Sixth tallest building in the world. It has 123 floors, including retail space, offices, a luxury hotel, and an observation deck. The observation deck, called Seoul Sky, is located on the 118th floor and offers panoramic views of the city.

Lotte World Tower is located in the Jamsil neighbourhood of Seoul, near the Han River. Its unique design incorporates elements of traditional Korean art and culture, such as the curves of a Korean celadon vase. The tower’s exterior is covered in glass and aluminum panels, which give it a sleek and modern look.

The construction of Lotte World Tower was a massive undertaking that took over six years to complete. In addition to its impressive height and unique design, Lotte World Tower also features various sustainable features, such as rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting.

 

One world Trade Center

In Lower Manhattan, New York City, the One World Trade Center, also known as Freedom Tower, is a skyscraper. It was built to replace the original World Trade Center towers that were destroyed during the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The building stands at a height of 1,776 feet (541 meters), which was chosen to symbolize the year of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The tower was completed in 2013 and is currently the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

The building was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and features a unique design that includes a square base and an octagonal spire. It contains 104 floors and is primarily used for office space, with its largest tenant being Conde Nast. The tower also includes an observation deck on the 100th floor, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The construction of One World Trade Center was a massive undertaking, with an estimated cost of $3.9 billion. The building features numerous safety and security features, including reinforced concrete walls and a state-of-the-art fire suppression system. Additionally, the tower is designed to be environmentally friendly, with features such as a rainwater collection system and energy-efficient lighting.

 

The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is an impressive skyscraper located in Guangzhou, China. Construction of the tower began in 2009 and was completed in 2016, taking a total of seven years to build. It was designed by American architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and boasts a height of 530 meters (1,739 feet), making it the Eight tallest building in the world as of March 2023.

The tower is located in the city’s central business district and is made up of 111 floors, housing offices, hotels, and luxury apartments. It also features a shopping mall and a public observatory on the 107th floor, offering stunning views of the surrounding city.

One of the tower’s most notable features is its sleek and modern design, which incorporates both glass and metal elements. It is also built to withstand earthquakes, a common occurrence in the region.

The cost of constructing the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is estimated to be around $1.5 billion, making it one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed. However, its impressive design and location have made it a symbol of the city’s economic growth and prosperity.

 

Tianjin CTF Finance Centre

In the Chinese city of Tianjin, there is a towering skyscraper called Tianjin CTF Finance Centre. It was completed in 2018 and is one of the tallest buildings in the world, standing at a height of 530 meters (1,739 feet). This stunning building was designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and is owned by Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is a mixed-use tower that includes office space, a luxury hotel, serviced apartments, and retail spaces. The tower features a unique design that incorporates a triangular shape with rounded corners, which provides panoramic views of the city. It also has a distinctive crown-shaped top, which gives the building a distinct identity.

The tower’s construction took approximately six years to complete and cost an estimated $5 billion. It is situated in the heart of the city’s financial district and overlooks the Haihe River, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In addition to its impressive height and unique design, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre also features cutting-edge technology, including a high-speed elevator system that can transport passengers to the top floors in just 55 seconds.

 

China Zun Tower

China Zun tower is a striking skyscraper located in Beijing, China. The tower stands at an impressive height of 528 meters (1,732 feet) and consists of 108 floors. Construction on the building began in 2011 and was completed in 2018, making it the tallest building in Beijing and the Tenth-tallest in the world.

The building was designed by the renowned architect, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and was inspired by the traditional Chinese “zun” vessel, which is used for holding wine. This is reflected in the building’s unique shape, which features a tapered exterior that widens at the top, resembling the shape of a zun.

China Zun tower is also notable for its state-of-the-art features, including an advanced air purification system, advanced elevators, and a high-performance building envelope that helps to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the building features an observation deck on the 108th floor that offers panoramic views of Beijing’s skyline.

The cost of constructing China Zun tower is estimated to be around 3.8 billion yuan (approximately $580 million USD). The tower is located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, which is known for its bustling business and commercial centers. It serves as a symbol of China’s economic growth and technological advancements, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

As we studied about world’s tallest buildings ranking, now time to take a quick look over some interesting and informative Q&A’s.

 

QnA’s

Q: What is the unique feature of the China Zun building?

A: The China Zun building, located in Beijing, China, is inspired by the traditional Chinese “zun” vessel used for holding wine. The building’s unique design features a tapered exterior that widens at the top, resembling the shape of a zun. Additionally, it features an advanced air purification system, advanced elevators, and a high-performance building envelope that helps to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption.

Q: What is the tallest building in South Korea?

A: Lotte World Tower in Seoul, which stands at a height of 555 meters (1,819 feet) tall. It was completed in 2017 and has 123 floors.

Q: What is the tallest building in Europe?

A: Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg is tallest building of Russia, which stands at a height of 462 meters (1,516 feet) tall. It was completed in 2019 and has 87 floors.

Q: What is the impact of the Petronas Towers on Malaysia?

A: The Petronas Towers, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have become an iconic symbol of the country and a popular tourist attraction. They were completed in 1998 and held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2004. The towers are home to a variety of businesses and have helped to boost Malaysia’s economy and global recognition.

Q: What is the impact of the Burj Khalifa on Dubai?

A: The Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, has had a significant impact on the city and the United Arab Emirates as a whole. It has become a major tourist attraction and helped to boost Dubai’s economy and global recognition. The building has also set a new standard for modern architecture and engineering, showcasing the country’s technological advancements and commitment to innovation.

Q: What is the impact of the Shanghai Tower on China?

A: The Shanghai Tower has had a significant impact on China, both in terms of architecture and economic development. The building has become a symbol of China’s rapid growth and modernization, showcasing the country’s technological advancements and commitment to innovation. It has also become a popular destination for tourists and helped to boost Shanghai’s economy and global recognition.

Q: What is the tallest building in Australia?

A: The tallest building in Australia is the Q1 Tower in Gold Coast, Queensland, which stands at a height of 322 meters (1,058 feet) tall. It was completed in 2005 and has 80 floors.

Q: What is the tallest building in India?

A: The tallest building in India is the World One Tower in Mumbai, which stands at a height of 442 meters (1,450 feet) tall. It was completed in 2021 and has 117 floors.

Q: What is the impact of the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower on Saudi Arabia?

A: The Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has become a major religious and cultural icon in the country. It serves as a major landmark for pilgrims visiting the nearby Grand Mosque and has helped to boost the country’s economy and global recognition. The tower also features the world’s largest clock face, measuring 43 meters in diameter.

Q: What is the tallest building in North America?

A: The tallest building in North America is the One World Trade Center in New York City, United States, which stands at a height of 541 meters (1,776 feet) tall. It was completed in 2013 and serves as a memorial to the victims of the September 11 attacks.

Q: What is the tallest building in South America?

A: The tallest building in South America is the Gran Torre Santiago in Santiago, Chile, which stands at a height of 300 meters (984 feet) tall. It was completed in 2013 and has 64 floors.

Q: What is the tallest building in Africa?

A: The tallest building in Africa is the Leonardo in Johannesburg, South Africa, which stands at a height of 234 meters (768 feet) tall. It was completed in 2019 and has 55 floors.

Q: What is the future of tall buildings?

A: The future of tall buildings is likely to see continued innovation in architecture and engineering, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Many new buildings are incorporating green technologies and materials, such as solar panels and recycled materials, to reduce their impact on the environment. Additionally, advancements in construction techniques and materials may allow for even taller and more ambitious designs in the years to come.