The Tallest Buildings in the World

As technology and construction methods continue to improve, cities all around the world seem determined to set new records with how tall they can build their skyscrapers. Bustling metropoles like New York, London and Tokyo have become instantly recognisable by their skylines alone, but more modern cities such as Dubai are emerging as front runners in the tall building stakes. New projects are currently under construction that, when finished, may snatch the title of tallest building, but for now see the list below for a few of the current tallest buildings in the world.

Burj Khalifa

The current tallest building in the world, this Dubai structure is an astonishing 828 metres tall, with over 160 storeys. It’s broken many world records, including the highest occupied floor, the tallest free-standing structure, and the elevator with longest travel distance in the world. The Burj Khalifa was designed as the centre of a new development called Downtown Dubai, and contains offices, a hotel and private residences.

Shanghai Tower

This 632 metre high tower is the tallest building in China, and its 127 floors are served by ultra-high speed shuttle elevators. The tower can accommodate as many as 16,000 people a day, and contains an abundance of facilities including restaurants, a VIP business centre, exhibition hall, offices, shops and even a Grand Ballroom.

One World Trade Centre

The tallest building in the United States poignantly stands on the site of the original 6 World Trade Centre, that was destroyed in the terrorist attack of 2001. One World was designed by architect David Childs, whose firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, also designed the Burj Khalifa. The building opened in 2014 and houses several large businesses including publishing firm Condé Nast.

Lotte World Tower

This skyscraper in South Korea is relatively new (opening in 2017) and at 555 metres tall is currently the fifth tallest building in the world. Designed by architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, the conceptual glass design takes inspiration from Korean ceramics. The tower features several restaurants, a cinema, aquarium, observation deck and concert hall.

The Shard

London’s Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe, but at ‘only’ 310 metres, it pales in comparison to some of the other structures on this list. Designed as a ‘vertical city’ by architect Renzo Piano, The Shard was completed in 2012 and houses retail, offices, a hotel, apartments, restaurant and a public viewing gallery within its glass structure.

Your office building or business may not be as tall as some of the structures mentioned above, but nearly every building of height requires a reliable lift. The professionals at ADL Lift Services supply, install and maintain lifts throughout the UK, and understand the importance of getting a personalised lift for your needs. Visit our website today , or give us a call to talk more about the wide range of services and designs on offer.