With todays advanced building technology, the challenge gets even more difficult and far more expensive.
That is why theBurj Khalifais so well-knownit temporarily holds one of the most important titles in the world.
Can a building simply add a spire and count it towards height, or is that cheating?
From Left to Right: Shanghai Tower, Lotte World Tower, Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101, International Commerce Center, One World Trade Center, Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, Guangzhou CTF Finance Center
Does the final measurement have to be taken from the height of the roof?
Do non-occupiable floors count towards height, or is that also cheating?
Read on to see which 15 buildings are officially the tallest in the entire worldfor now.
Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Kirill Neiezhmakov/Shutterstock)
It measures approximately 2,717 feet tall and includes over 160 stories.
Tube structural systems, including bundled tubes, are extremely efficient and can be used to gain incredible heights.
It was designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, orSOM, and inspired by Islamic architecture.
Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Eugene Lu/Shutterstock)
According to Human Rights Watch, workplace injuries and fatalities were not well documented and are difficult to track.
Despite these second-place accolades or near wins, you probably wont be disappointed if you visit Shanghai Tower.
Each floor plate is carefully rotated to create an effortless twist that spans the entire height of the building.
Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Abrar Sharif/Shutterstock)
Since there are two layers of glass, both can be clear while providing enough protection.
Both sites are important tourism destinations for Seoul.
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Center is a great example of form follows function in a skyscraper.
Ping An Finance Center in Shenzhen, China (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Eric007/Shutterstock)
Since the multipurpose building serves different functions, it needs slightly different floor sizes.
(Azunis an ancient wine vessel used in rituals during the Bronze Age in China.)
There are eight separate vertical pieces of the building that each hold eight floors.
Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Efired/Shutterstock)
The entire building also carefully considers feng shui philosophy in multiple design elements across different scales.
As such, the building includes plenty of tourist attractions in addition to office space and real estate.
From its Sky Arena and Sky Walk, guests are introduced to incredible views of the city below.
One World Trade Center in New York City, New York, U.S. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Edi Chen/Shutterstock)
This symbolizes the heavens meeting or intersecting with the earth to create balance.
The forms chosen for this concept are inspired by an ancient Chinese symbol.
It is part of Union Square, a dense and modern self-contained community.
Guangzhou CTF Finance Center in Guangzhou, China (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock)
The building itself includes popular tourist amenities such as Sky100 and Hong Kong Ritz Carlton.
However, it is not the tallest structure in Russia.
That distinction belongs to the Ostankino Tower in Moscow.
Tianjin CTF Finance Center in Tianjin, China (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Iryna Makukha/Shutterstock)
It was moved to an alternative area called Lakhta in Saint Petersburg as a comprise.
Now, many locals believe it helps represent the duality of Russia’s history and its bright modern future.
This area gets its name from the largest real estate company in Vietnam called Vinhomes.
China Zun in Beijing, China (Photo:Stock Photosfrom linlypu/Shutterstock)
Vinhomes is also the investor and main developer for Landmark 81.
Tallest Building Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a skyscraper?
What is the tallest building in the world?
Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sean Hsu/Shutterstock)
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world as of 2022.
How tall is Burj Khalifa?
Burj Khalifa is approximately 2,717 feet high.
Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai, China (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Photobank/Shutterstock)
Related Articles:
International Commerce Center in Hong Kong, China (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Evannovostro/Shutterstock)
Central Park Tower in New York City, New York, U.S. (Photo:Extell Development)
Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg, Russia (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Nikita_Maru/Shutterstock)
Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Photo:Stock Photosfrom CravenA/Shutterstock)
