Architecture is an art we confront every day, and its evolution marks our journey in the world and adds personality to cities. Before revealing the most impressive skyscrapers, and to understand a little more about the subject, we are first going to explore some important concepts.
Futuristic buildings
They are advanced and avant-garde architectural works, with innovative design, modern technology and materials, with a futuristic and innovative look, complex geometric shapes, curved structures, reflective surfaces, and advanced materials such as glass, steel, and concrete.
Futuristic buildings are considered a symbol of innovation and creativity; their design shapes the identity of the city or region of their location, and inevitably, they become tourist attractions.
In addition to their distinctive appearance, futuristic buildings often include sustainability and energy-efficient features.
Sustainable buildings
They are structures designed and built to have a minimal impact on the environment, provide a healthy and comfortable environment for their occupants, use ecological and efficient materials and technology that reduce energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Some of its features are:
- Passive design: Natural light and ventilation to reduce lighting and artificial climate.
- Sustainable materials: Use of recycled or renewable materials to minimize construction and demolition waste.
- Energy efficiency: Lighting systems, climate control, and highly energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption.
- Use of renewable energy: Renewable energy sources, solar panels, and wind turbines.
- Water management: Water recycling systems and low flow devices to reduce water consumption.
- Indoor Air Quality: Efficient ventilation systems and low-volatile organic compound (VOC) building materials to improve indoor air quality
Skyscrapers
Skyscrapers are buildings that are at least 100 meters tall, but many skyscrapers are much taller than that, and they are used for commercial, residential, or office purposes. They are usually built in densely populated areas, where space is limited and land is expensive. They can house many people and businesses in a relatively small space.
Skyscraper construction requires advanced technology and specialized building materials such as steel and glass, as well as utilizing the features in futuristic, sustainable buildings.
What are the most famous skyscrapers in the world?
Well, it depends on their height, but here, we have prepared a small list with some of the most well-known and emblematic skyscrapers that you should know about.
1. Burj Khalifa
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it is currently the tallest building in the world at 828 meters high with 163 floors. Known during its construction as the Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower), the Burj Khalifa forms the central part of a development known as Downtown Dubai, which is a 2 km² complex located along Sheikh Zayed Avenue, which cuts across the city of Dubai. Construction began on January 6, 2004, and was inaugurated on January 4, 2010. It owes its name to the Sheikh and President of the United Arab Emirates, Jalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan.
2. Shanghai Tower
Located in Shanghai, China, it is the second tallest building in the world at 632 meters high with 128 floors. The tower is organized in the form of nine cylindrical buildings that are stacked on top of each other and covered in a glass exterior. It possesses nine interior gardens at various levels that are part of the public space for the residents of Shanghai. In addition, it boasts the highest open observation deck in the world
3. Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower
The Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, also known as the Mecca Clock Tower, is a complex in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Measuring 601 meters and 120 stories, it is the third tallest structure in the world. It features a huge clock face at its peak, which is visible from a great distance and lights up at night. In addition, it is a center of tourism and contains a large number of shops, restaurants, and accommodations for visitors to Mecca
4. Pong An Finance Center
Located in Shenzhen, China, it is the fourth tallest building in the world at 599 meters tall and 115 floors, housing a large number of office and retail spaces. In addition, it has a view of the impressive city. The design of the building is modern and elegant, with a glass exterior that reflects sunlight and changes color throughout the day. The Ping An Finance Center is an architectural landmark and one of the most popular attractions in Shenzhen.
5. Lotte World Tower
Located in Seoul, South Korea, it is the fifth tallest building in the world at 555 meters high and 123 floors. It houses offices, apartments, a luxury hotel, a shopping center, and an observation deck on the 123rd floor with a fantastic panoramic view of the city. In addition, Lotte World Tower is famous for its LED lighting system, which creates impressive light shows at night, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul and a symbol of South Korea’s modern sensibilities and progress
6. Torre de Kuala Lumpur
It is the tallest building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also known as the KL Tower or Menara KL. It was inaugurated in 1996 and is 421 meters tall. The KL Tower is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and a very popular tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur. It offers an observation platform called Sky Deck, located 276 meters up, where guests can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the city. In addition, it has a telecommunications antenna 146 meters high at the very top.
7. Torre Glòries
The tallest building in Barcelona, Spain was formerly known as Torre Agbar because it was built to house the headquarters of Barcelona’s water company, Agbar. At 144 meters tall and boasts 38 floors, it is located in the technological district where it is used as an office space. It also houses the Mirador de Glòries, an observation platform located on the 33rd floor that offers panoramic views of the city. The Glòries Tower was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel and features a glass and aluminum exterior that changes color depending on the time of day and lighting. The shape of the tower is inspired by the Montserrat Mountain, one of the most emblematic symbols of Catalonia and pride of architecture in Barcelona.
8. Steinway Tower
Also known as the Stairway to Heaven and the Heaven Building, it is located in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York, United States. It was formerly Building 111 at West 57th Street and was renamed Steinway Tower due to its proximity to the famous Steinway & Sons piano store. It consists of 82 floors and was designed by the firm SHoP Architects. At 435 meters tall, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in New York City. Construction began in 2014 and was completed in 2020. The Steinway Tower is distinguished by its slim, elegant design, glass facade, sweeping views of the New York skyline, luxury features, multi-story apartments, pool, spa, and prime location near Central Park
Other impressive and already classic skyscrapers include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Empire State Building in New York, the Tokyo Tower in Japan, and the Ostankino Tower in Moscow.
After reading about the most impressive skyscrapers in the world, you cannot miss the beauty of the organic houses by Javier Senosiain, an architect whose projects are influenced by their environment, and whose main influences are Frank Lloyd Wright, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Antoni Gaudí, Rudolph Steiner, nature, and Mexican popular art. You can also take a look at our article about the five luxury mansions in Mexico and their owners
