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Observe These Renowned Skyscrapers

  • Anne Wang
  • Aug 8, 2023
  • 3 min read

An examination of five significant skyscrapers in honor of Skyscraper Appreciation Day on August 10.


The Burj Khalifa. Image: Britannica
The Burj Khalifa. Image: Britannica

August 10 is designated as Skyscraper Appreciation Day. Indeed, these iconic towers symbolize towns and nations worldwide. We commend the iconic designs of these buildings, appreciating their remarkable architecture and the ingenuity of the architects responsible for them.


Opulent High-Rise


The Burj Khalifa soars across the Dubai skyline. Image: Housing.com
The Burj Khalifa soars across the Dubai skyline. Image: Housing.com

The Burj Khalifa, inaugurated in 2010, epitomizes architectural ingenuity and human accomplishment. This iconic skyscraper, conceived by Adrian Smith of the architectural firm SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), commands the Dubai skyline. At a height of 828 meters (2,722 feet), it is the tallest human-made structure globally. The Burj Khalifa features a sleek, contemporary design, characterized by setbacks that reduce wind load. The façade features a unique glass and steel design. The Armani Hotel, alongside offices and luxurious villas, is located within the Burj Khalifa, a hallmark of modern engineering and design excellence.


Challenging Altitudes and Norms


The Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest skyscraper. Image: Dezeen.
The Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest skyscraper. Image: Dezeen.

The remarkable Shanghai Tower, a feat of modern architectural brilliance, is situated in the heart of Shanghai's Lujiazui district. This 632-meter-tall skyscraper, built by the esteemed international firm Gensler, redefines urban living. It is the world's second-tallest edifice, finished in 2015. The distinctive winding form minimizes wind loads while offering stunning panoramic vistas, both functionally and artistically. The 128-story edifice accommodates workplaces, cultural centers, and a luxury five-star hotel. Shanghai Tower exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of urban architecture and environmental consciousness through its advanced sustainability features and double-skin facade.


Emblem of Fortitude and Optimism


One World Trade Center designated as the highest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere – One World Trade Centre, NY, US. Image: Dezeen.
One World Trade Center designated as the highest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere – One World Trade Centre, NY, US. Image: Dezeen.

One World Trade Center, which towers over the Manhattan skyline, epitomizes resilience and renewal. This 541-meter-tall edifice was designed in 2014 by architect David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The design embodies a fusion of innovation and commemoration, emerging from the hallowed site of the original World Trade Centre. The tower incorporates a robust concrete core to enhance safety and integrate energy-efficient elements such as advanced heating and cooling systems. The monument's height represents the year of the American Declaration of Independence. One World Trade Center symbolizes a future of strength and unity while honoring history.


Asia's Renowned Skyscraper


The Petronas Towers surpass the Empire State Building in height. Visual: Site Visits.
The Petronas Towers surpass the Empire State Building in height. Visual: Site Visits.

The Petronas Towers, designed in 1998 by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli, are an impressive duo of skyscrapers symbolizing Kuala Lumpur’s modernism. Until 2004, these twin towers were the tallest edifices in the world. Each structure comprises 88 floors and reaches a height of 452 meters (1,483 feet), linked by a double-decker Skybridge. The contemporary steel and glass façade of the Towers, which mirrors Malaysia's cultural identity, is influenced by Islamic motifs. The Petronas Towers, exemplifying a unique postmodern design and symbolizing the zenith of 20th-century architectural achievement, accommodate workplaces and retail spaces while demonstrating a seamless integration of aesthetics and engineering excellence.


The Architectural Heritage of London


The Shard accommodates the Shangri-La Hotel in London. Image: Archi Wonder.
The Shard accommodates the Shangri-La Hotel in London. Image: Archi Wonder.

The Shard is an architectural and engineering masterpiece, symbolizing modern London. This 95-storey glass edifice, designed by architect Renzo Piano, punctuates the city skyline with its elegant form. The Shard, completed in 2012 and standing at 1,016 feet (310 meters), is the highest edifice in Western Europe and the United Kingdom. The distinctive pyramid-shaped structure, featuring a state-of-the-art glass façade, mirrors both the sky and the surrounding urban landscape. The Shard seamlessly merges functionality, aesthetics, and urban integration on its top levels, which include offices, luxurious residences, a hotel, and a public observation deck.


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