Unique Skyscrapers Around the World
Architects are always looking for ways to reinvent skyscrapers in order to keep up with modern engineering. In the past century, there has been a massive variation in the height of the tallest skyscrapers – defined as buildings that exceed 330 feet. Skyscrapers are massive investments and icons of the cities they occupy which can last between 500 and 1,000 years depending on the type of construction. Skyscrapers are works of often as much works of art as they are buildings, setting the course of architectural evolution and style by their mere existence.
Skyscrapers Throughout The World
Skyscrapers reside in the cities throughout the world with 144 towers over 660 feet tall built in 2017 alone. China, the United States and Japan are listed as the top three countries with the most skyscrapers. The tallest skyscraper in the world has 211 stories and is 830 meters high – the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
There are many other iconic, unique and challenging skyscrapers around the world.
- Abode318 in Melbourne, Australia – This skyscraper is a residential building designed by Elenberg Fraser and Disengo Australia containing 450 apartments. The building is designed with a wave-like structure which also assists in the insulation for its inhabitants.
- Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois – The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower) has been an iconic piece of Chicago’s skyline since 1973 and has one of the tallest observation decks. The construction and engineering behind the now Willis Tower was for it to essentially taper upwards as 9 different buildings conformed into one plan.
- Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, California – This symbolic futuristic building was built in 1972 by William Pereira and includes a “Crown Jewel” at the top that lights up on days of remembrance and holidays. The unique design of a skyscraper with four sides, shaped as a pyramid was one of the first of its kind.
- Al Hamra Tower in Kuwait City, Kuwait – Designed by the firms Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Ramshir and Callison. This skyscraper is 1,358 feet tall and gives an interesting illusion of movement. Al Hamra is a very modern design that was completed in 2011. In that same year, this building also found itself on the list of best inventions by Time Magazine.
- 432 Park Avenue in New York, New York – This is the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere, designed by Rafael Vinoly standing at 1,396 feet tall. The tower is built with patterned symmetrical squares and lights up during nightfall. Every 12 floors, there is a 2 floor segment with no windows that allows for wind movement through the building itself.
Skyscrapers represent luxury, provide amazing views and are actually one of the safest places to be during an earthquake. Due to their massive size, their seismic performance is considered and designed with a carefulness not required in other buildings. Skyscrapers are designed to move during a shaking event while remaining structurally unaffected. These buildings are built to resist wind, earthquakes, and protect residents from fire and flooding.
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