As the remarkable features of modern engineering come to fruition, we observe astounding skyscrapers visibly materialize, standing tall. With every new construction being completed, a newer, more creative and cutting-edge design is being made a possibility, that was otherwise unimaginable.
Here is a compilation of these incredible marvels from around the globe:
One World Trade Center — New York, US
Formerly known as the “Freedom Tower,” One World Trade Center was built to memorialize the original “World Trade Center” lost in the disastrous 9/11 terrorist attacks. Completed in 2012, One World Trade Center is now the tallest building in the US at 1,776 ft. — a deliberate reference to the year when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Evolution Tower — Moscow, Russia
Reaching a height of 807 ft., it stood second in the Emporis Skyscraper Awards in 2015 as one of the world's best skyscrapers. Its shape of a DNA double-helix symbolizes the coming together of individuals, families, and generations.
Agora Tower — Taipei City, Taiwan
Labeled the “smog-eating” tower of Taiwan, the eco-friendly tower is one of the biggest designated residential sites in the region. Vincent Callebaut, the architect, won a design competition for the project in 2010. The cascading green exterior presents a “pioneer concept of sustainable eco-construction.”
Lakhta Center — Saint Petersburg, Russia
Standing at 1,516 ft, it's the tallest building in Russia and Europe. A one-of-a-kind tower, it's the world's most northern skyscraper. The concrete pouring of the building’s foundation is registered as a Guinness World Record as being the biggest continuous concrete pour. The inspiration for the tower design is nature — the top converging to form a flame, a flower, an ice torch, a lighthouse, and a spire.
W350 — Tokyo, Japan
Due for completion in 2041, the W350 tower will be the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world. The structure was designed keeping nature in mind — people can enjoy the sun and a fresh breeze inside the building too. It's aimed at providing the much-needed respite amidst an urban setting, exuding warmth and calmness.
Dynamic Tower — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Every level of this revolutionary building can be rotated by its residents, creating the possibility that it'll never look the same from day to day. David Fisher, the architect that had never built a skyscraper before, calls those buildings “designed by time, shaped by life — which will open our vision all around, to a new life.”
Grand Lisboa — Macau, China
Grand in its exterior and its interior, this iconic skyscraper stands out in the Macau skyline for its daring and flamboyant exuberance representing Modern Macau. The inspiration for the feathered design was an exotic Brazilian head-dress — reflecting the Portuguese influence shared by both Macau and South America. On permanent display in the hotel is “The Star of Stanley Ho” — the world's largest cushion-shaped diamond.
Moscow State University — Moscow, Russia
Housing the world's tallest educational building, its history dates back to 1755 — when it was known as Lomonosov University, named after its founder. A long-standing tradition of academic excellence, MSU is the oldest and most famous Russian university — its alumni including some prominent scientists and Nobel Prize winners.
The Big Bend — New York, USA (proposed)
The 4,000 m long arched skyscraper, the Big Bend, would become the world's longest building if it were built. Ioannis Oikonomou designed it in an attempt to avoid restrictions on skyscraper height in Manhattan.
Al Noor Tower — Casablanca, Morocco (proposed)
This proposed building, when completed, will be the tallest in Africa continent. Conceptualized by French designer, Amédée Santalo, the design of the tower resembles a fountain pen — symbolizing the rewriting of Africa’s future by Sheikh Tarek bin Laden.
Jeddah Tower — Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (under construction)
© Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture / Jeddah Economic Company
Estimated to be completed in 2020, Jeddah Tower will be the world's first building to reach a height of 1 km (3,281 ft). Inspired by a bundle of leaves sprouting from the ground, the tower is designed as an attempt to signify prosperity, growth, and regional emergence — a symbol of the Kingdom’s economic and cultural stature.
Kingdom Center — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The world's third tallest building “with a hole”, the large opening in the Kingdom Center is illuminated at night in continuously changing colors. The inverted arch at the top was described as the city’s “necklace.”
Q1 — Gold Coast, Australia
Q1 is recognized as one of the landmark icons in Queensland for its “remarkable engineering feat.” It's the world's sixth tallest residential tower and the tallest in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. The Sydney 2000 Olympic torch inspired the tower's design.
Preview photo credit: Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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