The technological and social development, spurred in the 18th century, has made human’s long-cherished dream come into reality – conquering the high and pushing the boundaries beyond the sky! Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – bears a testament to this unwavering ambition.
Since its development, this architectural marvel has fascinated people with sky-high aspirations, inviting them to gaze in awe at the epitome of human ingenuity and architectural excellence.
History of the World’s Tallest Building
From the mystic Giza Pyramids to the lighthouse of Alexandria, how the technology-backed modern building got the towering height traces a fascinating journey. One of the first skyscrapers was built in Chicago in 1884 – a building that not only touched the horizon, but also broadened human ambition to reach the sky using innovative construction techniques such as steel frames. Later on, different iconic structures like the Petronas Tower, the Empire State Building, etc., were built on the technique used in Chicago building. The United States reigned the world’s tallest building landscape and was beaten by Malaysia’s Personas Tower in 1998. Later on, the world witnessed more towering buildings such as Taiwan’s Taipei 101 and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Burj Khalifa: The Tallest Building in the World
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat acknowledged Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building on March 10, 2010.
This towering masterpiece stands “only” 828 metres (2,717 feet) with a total of 163 floors. The tower offers mesmerising views of Dubai – the urban oasis, symbolising the city’s sky-high ambition and modernity.
This desert jewel rising majestically from the sand greets visitors with its majesty as they step in.
Exuding opulence and modernity, Burj Khalifa houses a range of services – entertainment venues, apartments, commercials, luxury hotels, restaurants, and whatnot! Needless to mention, you have lightning-speed elevators to reach your destination. You have two observation decks – At the Top Burj Khalifa Sky and Burj Khalifa – to mesmerise yourself with the breathtaking view of Dubai skyline. The most stunning part of the tower is its telescopic spire built of over 4,000 tons of structural steel.
Additionally, the tower boasts a range of dining facilities, shopping outlets, art galleries, and fitness facilities, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment within the world’s tallest building.
Fun fact: Do you know that cleaning the entire structure is a mammoth task that takes around three whole months?
Design and Construction
Design
Spearheaded by a leading architectural company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the spiralling shape and the triple-lobed footprint of the world’s most towering skyscraper was inspired by Hymenocallis flower, a regional dessert flower and Islamic architecture. With a complex Y-shaped cross section and tapered form, Burj Khalifa has set an example of how advanced constructions can defy height! Its sleek tapered body is the force behind its capability to escape wind force. The y- shaped floor plan is specially designed to reinforce structural stability while transforming its exclusive spaces into an exquisite architectural feature. The exterior cladding of this landmark building boasts reflective stainless steel spandrel panels, aluminium. and hand-cut glass panels to relieve the visitors from the scorching heat of Dubai.
Construction Process
The centrepiece of large-scale multi-purpose development, Burj Khalifa’s construction started in 2004 and the exterior was completed in 2009. For the construction of piles and foundation, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) was used. For the foundation, solid reinforced concrete mat and for the piles, bored reinforced concrete were used. The foundation of this towering monument reached down to 50 metres to ensure Dubai’s rough soil can’t cause any harm to it. For the structure of the Burj Khalifa, a whopping 39,000 tons of steel rebar was used. It took 22 million man-hour to complete the construction and the stupendous structure was made open for all in 2010.
Technical Innovations: The neo-Futurist-style Burj Khalifa is an architectural marvel blended with high-end technologies. It boasts a buttressed core system with a central core backed by three wings. This advanced structural design reinforces the building, increasing its stability and allowing it to withstand wind force.
A pinnacle of structural design, Burj Khalifa boasts advanced mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to limit its environmental impact and waste production. The best-in-one-class cladding system in the tower keeps the inside temperature optimal, and boosts energy efficiency, exhibiting its commitment to foster sustainability.
Top Tallest Buildings
Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur (679 m/2227 ft)
Merdeka 118, located in Kuala Lumpur, is a 118 storied mega tall building. An epitome of architectural excellence and stupendousness, it stands at a height of 679 metres (2227 ft) which makes it the second-tallest building in the world.
Shanghai Tower (632 metres / 2,073 feet)
Envisioned and designed by Gensler – a global design, architecture, and planning firm – Shanghai Tower is a 128-story skyscraper in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. With a staggering height of 632 metres (2,073 feet), this megatall building is reported to be China’s tallest and world’s third tallest structure. Open from 2015, it’s unique tapering profile, asymmetrical shape, and spherical edges allow the tower to withstand strong typhoon winds. The futuristic and innovative design of the Shanghai Tower has earned international acclaim, making it a masterpiece in the China skyline and a pinnacle of contemporary architecture.
Makkah Royal Clock Tower (601 m / 1,972 ft), Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Clock Towers in Makkha, also known as Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, is a part of a government-owned skyscraper complex of seven edifices that house luxury hotels. Known for its splendour and resplendence, the Clock Towers stand as a testament to iconic contemporary architecture, embellished with exquisite design elements. The complex’s proximity to the Masjid al-Haram and the iconic clock face – the world’s largest clock – on the tallest tower make it a piece of fascination to visitors.
Ping’an Finance Center (599.1 m / 1,965 ft), Shenzhen, China
Located in Shenzhen, China, Ping’an International Finance Center is the fifth tallest in the world. This supertall building comprises 115 floors that house commercial space, a conference centre, luxury hotel and retail spaces, and a high-end shopping mall. Reaching a height of a whopping 599.1 m (1,965 ft), this supertall building boasts a unique shape with a tapering form that causes the structure to narrow down as it ascends.
Lotte World Tower (554.5 m/ 1,819 ft), Seoul, S Korea
Designed by The architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the Lotte World Tower is another officially recognised megatall skyscraper in the world. Located in Seoul, South Korea, the tower measures a height of 554.5 m (1,819 ft) and boasts 123 floors above ground, as well as 6 basement levels. An architectural masterpiece characterised by its tapered form, the Lotte World Tower symbolises the country’s economic prowess and commitment to achieving sustainable business growth. , Seoul, South Kore
The Future of Skyscrapers: Beyond Height
The supertall buildings around the world are synonymous to humans’ ambition and the fast technological advancement. As we look into the future, we can say that more focus will be placed on constructing skyscrapers that will be eco-friendly, and sustainable, fostering architectural design that will help combat global and environmental challenges. For example, green technologies such as renewable energy supply, energy-efficient HVAC systems, green roofs, etc., will be in vogue and help reduce the carbo footprint of megatall buildings. Furthermore, more focus will be placed on making the construction and structural engineering more advanced to build stronger, and sustainable skyscrapers resilient to abrupt climate issues.
Additionally, that day is not a long way off when the construction sector will cross the world’s boundary and reach space, thanks to the advancements made in space-bound architecture.
Related Topics:
- Maya Astronomical Tools: What’s Behind Mayan’s Astronomical Prowess - January 21, 2025
- Fastest Land Animals: Speed Comparison - January 14, 2025
- What Do Whales Eat? Their Menu Saga - January 7, 2025