Developed countries from all around the world always had an unspoken competition of having the world’s tallest buildings. Moreover, these skyscrapers become a symbol for the very city that they are constructed in. This not only attracts millions of architecture admirers from all over the world but also fulfill the needs and greeds of the modern word within a confined space. Here is the list of the 10 tallest buildings in the world as of January 2020.

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

Ranking No. 1 in the list of tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa. It acted as a milestone in the history of the tall skyscrapers in the world. It redefined the extent of architecture as well as engineering. It is one of the most iconic as well as practical skyscrapers ever built in the whole world. It beautifully blends in the Islamic influences with the modernistic energy-saving approach. Inaugurated in 2010, it still stands as the tallest building in the world; however, the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia is all set up to overtake its title in 2020 on its completion.

A host to some of the best hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, and offices, Shanghai Tower stands as the second tallest building in the whole world and tallest in China. The unique spiral structure of the building instantly catches the eye of the onlooker. Not only does its unique structure makes it more appealing but it also fights the winds in a much better way.

On number 3 in the list of tallest buildings in the world’s the Makkah Royal Clock Tower. Situated in the very heart of the holy city of Mecca, it stands adjacent to the Grand Mosque. The Clock Tower stands in the middle of 6 other smaller skyscrapers which constitute the Abraj Al-Bait. It acts as a residential as well as a hotel complex. It majorly serves the devotees who come for Hajj at the Grand Mosque. The building has been designed as such that 75000 people can easily exit it at once during the time of Namaaz.

China is on a spree of accumulating the world’s tallest buildings. An all commercial skyscraper, Ping An Finance Center is strategically connected with all the neighboring residential and commercial complexes. The streamlined structure of this beautiful skyscraper enhances the structural as well as wind repulsing properties of the building. The structure of the building is enhanced by the 8 super columns protruding beyond the building surface. At the top, the form of the building tapers into a pyramid-like structure, forming a completely distinct architectural feature.

This gigantic tapering structure stands out distinctly from the skyline as well as the distinct topography of Seoul. The building’s interiors attract inspiration from various traditional art forms of Korea. The tower constitutes of a 7-star luxury hotel, office spaces, and officelets. The concept of officelets is quite common in South Korea, allowing the people working in the building to reside there itself. The topmost 10 floors of the building are entirely dedicated to entertainment, including a rooftop café and an observatory deck.

This iconic tower in the skyline of the New York Skyline starts with a cubic base and extends into tapering triangular forms, going up to the top. This huge tower seamlessly blends into the underground transportation system of the city. This very tower has replaced almost a quarter of the office spaces that were lost during the September 11, 2001 attacks and acts as a perfect acknowledgment of the adjacent memorial.

The form of this enormous skyscraper does not taper down at upper levels to accommodate smaller floor plans. However, the whole structure of the building steps back at 4 transition points, marking 4 major transitions. The building transits from office to a residential space, residential space to a luxury hotel, from the hotel to the crown and ultimately to the sky. These transition steps allow ample terrace spaces for terrace gardening and other open to sky activities. A major emphasis has been given to the elevation detailing of the tower. The elevation is clad with terracotta tiles, which were manufactured locally and also has a much lesser footprint than other elements such as steel and aluminum.

This Sky touching tower in Tianjin houses office spaces, serviced apartments as well as a luxury hotel. The structure of the skyscraper looks distinctly unique. It tapers slightly to the top with undulating curves marking a transition into each of the three functions of the building. The glass façade of the building has also been beautifully designed with a keep emphasis on the effect of reflection and textures.

The form of this skyscraper has been derived from one of the ancient Chinese ceremonial element, the “zun”. The building stands quite distinctive from the straight and tapering form of most of the high rise buildings in the world. The structure of the building is conical in shape, the floor area decreasing in the middle and increasing again, going towards the top. The structure has been uniquely designed to increase the usable floor area and to withstand the shocks of the seismic zone.

One of the most inspiring tallest building world has ever witnessed, Taipei 101 held the title of the tallest building in the world from the year 2004 to 2010 and still remains one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the world. It stands as a true example of sustainable construction and received a LEED certification in the year 2011. It is a highly energy-efficient structure that is quite commendable for such a huge building. It stands as the tallest building in Taiwan and acts as a symbol of pride for its residents. Ever since its completion, the building has been a major component of New Year celebrations in Taiwan.

These world’s tallest buildings do not only stand as an icon of pride and advancement for the world but also cater to a whole lot of modern problems. They confine a whole lot of activities within a very small surface area and accommodate a whole lot of population as well as services without cutting off a whole lot of natural ecosystems.