Adrian Smith, one of the most recognized architects in the world was in charge of designing this mega structure. He also designed Jin Mao Tower and Trump International Hotel and Tower.
Taipei 101 is second in line with “only” 509 m (1670 feet), more than 300 m shorter than Burj Khalifa. It is also known as Taipei Financial Center and is located in District Xinyi, Taipi, Taiwan. It held the title of the tallest building in the world till 4 January 2010 when it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa. Discovery Channel saw it as one of the Seven Wonders of Engineering. It was built between 1999 and 2004, it consists of 101 floors and 5 underground levels.
The tallness of 101 floors commemorates the rebirth of time: the new century that arrived as the tower was built (100+1) and all the new years that go after (January 1 = 1-01). It symbolizes sky-scraping ideals by going one better on 100, a traditional number of perfection.
Shanghai World Financial Center is the last building on the podium being 492.0 m (1,614.2 ft) tall and as its name says it is situated in Shanghai, China. The building was tapped out in September 2007 becoming the second tallest building in the world at that time. Nowadays it’s the third tallest but it holds the record for the highest hotel in the world, Park Hyatt Shanghai occupying 15 floors, from 79 to 93. Though it is almost half the size of Burj Khalifa, Shanghai World Financial Center has the tallest observation deck in the world.
The number of floors is the same as in Taipei 101…you guessed, 101. Construction started in 1997 and the skyscraper was officially opened in 2008. Why did it took so long you ask? Well, the Asian financial crisis between in 1997-1998 meant a fund shortage for the building corporation. The Shanghai World Financial Center has been very appreciated for it’s design and was awarded the title of the best skyscraper of 2008
International Commerce Centre is in fourth place with it 484 m (1588ft) but it is still under construction. It is estimated that it will be opened this year (2010). Situated in Hong Kong, it has 118 floors. When it will be completed, this building will become Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper. Because it is designed to be
In 5th place we have not one, but two skyscrapers, the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. 6 years after completion in 1998 the Petronas Towers measuring 453 m (1483 ft) were the world’s tallest buildings. In 2004 their height was exceeded by Taipei 101 (509 m). These buildings hold the world record for the tallest twin buildings.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and made good use of its information.
