Tallest Building in the World
The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, is a testament to human ingenuity and architectural advancement. Located in Dubai, this skyscraper dominates the city's skyline and represents a pinnacle in construction achievements. At a record-breaking 828 meters in height and a staggering 163 floors, it embodies the pinnacle of vertical development, offering insights into the complexities and marvels of modern-day engineering.
Ranking Top 12 Tallest Buildings
Discover the marvels of modern engineering with ranking of the world's 12 tallest buildings. These architectural giants not only define city skylines but also symbolize technological progress. In the table below are highlighted structures from the Burj Khalifa to Taipei 101 and celebrate human innovation. Note that a building's height is measured to its highest point, which can include antenna spires, providing a consistent standard for comparison.
| Rank | Building | Height | Floors | Completion Year | Country | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa | 828 | 163 | 2010 | United Arab Emirates | Dubai |
| 2 | Merdeka 118 | 679 | 118 | 2023 | Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur |
| 3 | Shanghai Tower | 632 | 128 | 2015 | China | Shanghai |
| 4 | Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower | 601 | 120 | 2012 | Saudi Arabia | Mecca |
| 5 | Ping An Finance Centre | 599 | 115 | 2017 | China | Shenzhen |
| 6 | Lotte World Tower | 555 | 123 | 2016 | South Korea | Seoul |
| 7 | One World Trade Center | 541 | 104 | 2014 | USA | New York City |
| 8 | Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre | 530 | 111 | 2016 | China | Guangzhou |
| 9 | Tianjin CTF Finance Centre | 530 | 98 | 2019 | China | Tianjin |
| 10 | CITIC Tower | 528 | 108 | 2018 | China | Beijing |
| 11 | Taipei 101 | 508 | 101 | 2004 | Taiwan | Taipei |
| 12 | Shanghai World Financial Center | 492 | 101 | 2008 | China | Shanghai |
Interesting facts about the world's tallest buildings
- Six of the 12 listed buildings are located in China, indicating the country's significant contribution to the world's tallest structures.
- Merdeka 118 has the greatest height-to-floor ratio, at approximately 5.75 meters per floor, showcasing efficient use of vertical space.
- All buildings on the list were constructed in the 21st century, Taipei 101 being the oldest, and completed in 2004. This highlights a modern era of skyscraper construction.
- Beyond China, the list features buildings from various countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the USA, and Taiwan, reflecting a global trend in constructing high-rise buildings.
- These buildings are not just office spaces but include a mix of hotels, residential areas, shopping centers, and observatories, illustrating the multifunctional nature of modern skyscrapers.
Burj Khalifa and world famous landmarks
This comparison illustrates Burj Khalifa's towering height against various iconic landmarks, offering insights into the scale of its grandeur. It provides a unique lens through which to view the evolution of architectural design and construction, from the ancient Great Pyramid of Giza to contemporary skyscrapers, highlighting the Burj Khalifa's significance in this historical context.
| Building | Height (meters) | Height Ratio | Year of Construction | City/Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | 828 | x1 | 2010 | Dubai, UAE |
| Empire State Building | 443 | x1.9 | 1931 | New York City, USA |
| Eiffel Tower | 300 | x2.8 | 1889 | Paris, France |
| Sagrada Familia | 170 | x4.9 | Ongoing (started in 1882) | Barcelona, Spain |
| Great Pyramid of Giza | 146 | x5.7 | c. 2560 BC | Giza, Egypt |
| St. Peter's Basilica | 137 | x6.0 | 1626 | Vatican City |
| Florence Cathedral | 116 | x7.1 | 1436 | Florence, Italy |
| St. Paul's Cathedral | 111 | x7.5 | 1708 | London, UK |
| St. Vitus Cathedral | 97 | x8.5 | 1929 | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Taj Mahal | 73 | x11.3 | 1653 | Agra, India |
| Sydney Opera House | 65 | x12.7 | 1973 | Sydney, Australia |
| Leaning Tower of Pisa | 57 | x14.5 | 1372 | Pisa, Italy |
| Colosseum | 48 | x17.3 | 80 AD | Rome, Italy |
| Blue Mosque | 43 | x19.3 | 1616 | Istanbul, Turkey |
"Largest" vs. "Tallest"
In the realm of architectural wonders, distinguishing between the "largest" and "tallest" buildings is key. The "tallest" is measured by height from base to top, like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is the tallest globally at 828 meters, symbolizing architectural prowess. Conversely, "largest" refers to floor area; the Boeing Everett Factory in Washington, the largest by volume at 13.3 million cubic meters, and Chengdu's New Century Global Center, one of the biggest by floor area at 1.7 million square meters, exemplify this. Recognizing these distinctions helps us appreciate the varied architectural feats, showcasing how they excel in different dimensions.