As engineering science becomes more technologically advanced, building supertall skyscrapers that virtually shoot towards the sky becomes less and less of an impossible task. As years go by, taller and taller structures are springing up around the world, overtaking the previous record holder. This continuous process seems to be a result of the prestige competition among countries, as having the tallest structure often brings awe and recognition to the respective countries.
Because of this, arguments usually break out when the rankings cannot be clearly decided. Different kinds of height measurement guidelines are considered, such as whether or not to include the height of the spire (the pointed roof of a building) and the antenna. The varying methods of measurement do make a difference in the height order, and thus it is crucial to define the rankings into several categories. The most commonly utilized definition is the height until the architectural top, including spires but not antennas and masts.
In this entry, we will look at the current Top 5 tallest buildings (not structures) in the world. This list only includes completed buildings.
Rank 5: Sears Tower in Chicago
Standing at 442 metres tall, this building used to hold the record for more than 20 years, upon overtaking World Trade Centre (deceased) in 1974, until 1998. Sears Tower is currently the tallest skyscraper in United States, and will probably remain the tallest within the near future. Including the spire and antenna, its absolute height is actually up to 527 metres.
The main uses of Sears Tower are office, observation and communication. There are 104 elevators serving 108 floors, out of which 16 are double-deck elevators. An observation deck is located at the 103rd floor and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago.
Rank 4: Petronas Tower 1 in Kuala Lumpur
In 1998, Petronas Twin Towers overtook Sears Tower to become the tallest building(s) in the world, although they have fewer floors (only 88) and the heights of their roofs and highest occupied floor are substantially lower. The tall spire of Petronas created controversy regarding the height classification but the twin towers became the eventual winner when it was decided that the spire should be included as part of the architectural design.
The towers are connected by a 2-storey skybridge at their 41st and 42nd floors, which is the highest bridge in the world being 170 metres above ground. This level is also called the podium, where those who wish to go up to the higher levels have to switch elevators. The skybridge is open to all visitors, but only 1700 passes are given in a first-come first-served basis daily.
Rank 3: Petronas Tower 2 in Kuala Lumpur
Well, isn’t this obvious? In certain cases, the two towers can be regarded as one entity instead of separate buildings. Both are equally 452 metres tall, so they should be both 3rd in rank.
Nevertheless they are still the tallest twin towers in the world.
Rank 2: Shanghai World Financial Centre (SWFC)
SWFC became the second tallest building in the world after it was completed in 2008, being 492 metres and having 101 storeys. It took almost 10 years to complete due to the financial crisis in late 1990s and design changes. The skyscraper consists of offices, hotel and shopping malls and ranks as the highest hotel in the world. Currently SWFC is the tallest structure in mainlain China. Its roof is also considered as the world’s tallest.
The aperture at its peak, which resembles a bottle opener, is the most iconic feature of the building. It was previously planned to be circular (ring-shaped). SWFC has 3 observations decks at 3 different levels, with the highest at its 100th floor, 474 metres high. It is located just next to Jin Mao Tower, whose height ranks one position behind Sears Tower. There are plans on constructing an even taller skyscraper, tentatively named Shanghai Tower, next to both buildings.
Rank 1: Taipei 101
No prize for guessing this right. (=p)
As its name suggests, Taipei 101 contains 101 floors, with 5 levels of basement. The ‘101’ also signifies the mailing code of its address. The 509-metre supertall skyscraper was completed in 2004 and surpassed Petronas Towers as the world’s tallest building, till today. It is also the world’s first building to exceed the half-kilometre height mark. (any structures higher than 500m is considered extremely impressive)
Being located In an earthquake zone, Taipei 101 is designed to withstand tremors and typhoon winds. In order to introduce flexibility and damping, a giant steel pendulum is suspended at the top levels to offset swaying movements. Taipei 101 utilizes high-speed elevators, which are able to bring passengers from the 5th to 89th floor in only 37 seconds (60.6 km/h).
Since its completion, Taipei 101 has been a popular location for several national events and activities, such as New Year Countdown and fireworks display. It is a national pride for the Taiwanese.
However with upcoming ambitious construction projects, Taipei 101 will not hold the record for long. It is soon to be overtaken by a taller building, which is scheduled to be opened later this year. As mankind strives to conquer the skies, we will begin to see miracles and marvels in engineering technologies.
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