Which Buildings Are the Tallest in the World
Tall buildings are called skyscrapers. Their construction became possible in the second half of the nineteenth century thanks to new architectural technology. Back then, instead of rocks and bricks, people started using steel frameworks. Also, the invention of elevators boosted the spread of tall buildings because it became possible to reach the top floors quickly and safely.
5-Minute Crafts is going to tell you which skyscrapers are the tallest in the world.
1. Burj Khalifa
Location: Dubai, UAE
The tallest building in the world was constructed in 2010 in the United Arab Emirates, and it’s a residential and entertainment center with hotels, restaurants, and observation points. It’s 2,716 feet (828 meters) tall and it has 163 floors.
The word “Burj” means “tower,” and Khalifa is the name of the UAE president that gave the developers financial help when they had problems.
The skyscraper set several world records. Aside from being the tallest building in the world and the building with the most floors, the skyscraper is also known for having the tallest elevator construction, the highest nightclub in the world (on the 144th floor), and the highest restaurant (on the 122nd floor at 1,450 feet) and biggest light and sound capabilities in a building.
2. Shanghai Tower
Location: Shanghai, China
The second place on the list of the tallest buildings in the world is taken by the Shanghai Tower. It was built in 2014 and is 2,073 feet (632 meters) tall.
The 128 floors have a center with stores, offices, entertainment facilities, restaurants, cafes, exhibitions, and observation decks. The latter is located at a height of 1,843 feet (562 meters).
The building itself is made up of 9 cylindrical buildings on top of each other surrounded by the twisted glass facade. The latter is the distinctive feature of the tower: the upper part is 120 degrees, twisted.
3. Abraj Al Bait
Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Abraj Al Bait means “Towers of the House.” It’s a complex of 7 buildings, the tallest of which is 1,971 feet (601 meters), and has 120 floors.
Just like all skyscrapers, it has a mixed purpose: the tallest building is occupated by a hotel, and the others are filled with residential units, other hotels, a mall, and a garage for over 1,000 cars. Also, there are 3 observation decks: at 1,289 feet (393 meters), 1,558 feet (475 meters), and 1,830 feet (558 meters).
The main decoration of Abraj Al Bait is the clock on the main tower. It’s both the tallest clock in the world (located at 1,476 feet/450 meters) and the biggest clock, measuring 141 feet by 141 feet. There are 4 clocks — one on each side of the tower.
4. Ping’an International Finance Centre
Location: Shenzhen, China
The Ping’an International Finance Centre was constructed in 2017. The skyscraper is located in the central business district of Shenzhen, and it has offices, hotels, stores, and other companies.
The building is 1,965 feet (599 meters) tall, and its observation deck shares the title of the tallest in the world with the Shanghai Tower. It’s 1,843 feet (562 meters) high, and it’s on the 116th floor.
5. Lotte World Tower
Location: Seoul, South Korea
The Lotte World Tower was built in 2017, and it’s the tallest building in South Korea today at 1,823 feet (555.7 meters) tall.
It’s a cone-shaped building with curved sides. There are offices, hotels, residential areas, and an observation deck within it. It takes up 7 floors (from the 117th to 123rd) and includes cafes, lounge bars, a terrace, and a photo area. There’s also a telescope there, which makes the Lotte World Tower one of the tallest observatories in the world.