Punctuating the skyline of modern metropolises, skyscrapers are colossal structures designed to awe and inspire. These incredibly beautiful buildings are products of long years of planning and construction and are considered icons of the destinations they represent. Innovative and technologically advanced, these architectural marvels look like they were lifted directly from the set of a sci-fi film but are also considered symbols of cultural expression.
Let’s take a look at 10 of the most spectacular skyscrapers in the world.
One World Trade Center
Also called the Freedom Tower, the One World Trade Center is located in the rebuilt World Trade Centre Complex in Manhattan, New York City. The skyscraper is the main building of the 16-acre complex and is currently the sixth tallest building in the world.
The Shard
The Shard, London’s most popular and tallest skyscraper, is a 95-storey glass-clad tower that houses residential areas, offices, and restaurants along with a privately operated observation deck, The View from The Shard. The observation deck is the highest viewing platform in London and offers unrivalled panoramic views of the city.
Marina Bay Sands
An incredibly beautiful structure featuring triple towers linked by a sky garden and the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, the Marina Bay Sands is the most iconic building in Singapore. The resort, located in the middle of the city-state, also houses restaurants, bars, exhibition areas, a museum, a convention centre, theatres, a mall, a hotel, and a casino.
Burj Khalifa
Soaring 828 metres above the ground, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and holds the record for tallest free standing structure on the planet as well. The 163-floor architectural and engineering marvel, located in Dubai, is surrounded by the 27-acre Burj Khalifa park and is home to an observation deck in addition to the second largest choreographed fountain in the world.
Shanghai Tower
Located right in the middle of Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, the Shanghai Tower is the world’s second-tallest skyscraper, second only to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Opened to the public in 2016, the 632-metre towering structure features hotel rooms, shops, gardens, and myriad dining options. It also has public viewing areas where visitors can enjoy unhindered sweeping views of the city.
Lotte World Tower
Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Han River, the Lotte World Tower is a 554.5-metre high building in Seoul that houses retail stores, office spaces, residential areas, a posh hotel, and an observation deck. Opened in 2017, it is South Korea’s tallest building. The Lotte World Tower is ranked 5th among the tallest buildings in the world.
Taipei 101
Hailed as the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010, the Taipei 101 is a landmark attraction in Taipei, Taiwan. It is home to the 2nd fastest elevator in the world and is currently the world’s largest and tallest and green building.
Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are twin skyscapers located in Kuala Lumpur. The buildings are the world’s tallest twin towers and were considered the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. A two-storey skybridge – the world’s highest 2-storey bridge – connects the two buildings. A high-end shopping mall and a multipurpose concert hall are built at the base of the twin ultra-tall skyscrapers.
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a 7-star hotel built on an artificial island in Dubai, United Arab Emitates. At 321 metres, it is one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in the world and is currently the third tallest hotel in the world, behind Dubai’s Rose Tower and North Korea’s unfinished Ryugyong Hotel. The sail-shaped tower is one of the most iconic attractions in UAE.
Makkah Royal Clock Tower
Set in the heart of the Islamic city of Mecca adjacent to the Grand Mosque, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is the central tower of the Abraj Al-Bait hotel complex. The tower, a Fairmont Hotel, is adorned with the largest clock face in the world. Makkah Royal Clock Tower is also the world’s third tallest building.
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By: Brendelyn F. Balaga
