Brief
Explore the impressive reign of the Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest skyscraper, the halted construction of its potential successor, the Jeddah Tower, and the evolving technology behind supertall and megatall structures.
Insight
For over a decade, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, standing at a stunning height of 2,722 feet, has remained the tallest building worldwide. This 163-story marvel, crafted with a core of reinforced concrete, has carved a lasting impression on global architecture and culture. From cinematic stunts to serving as a backdrop for remarkable promotional campaigns, the Burj Khalifa has owned its superlative title since 2010.
The question of which building might eventually surpass the Burj Khalifa remains unanswered. Initially, the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia was projected to claim the title, but its construction has currently been put on hold. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Jeddah Tower, the Burj remains a significant symbol of architectural prowess. Each time a new ‘tallest building’ is constructed, its designers and engineers break new ground in innovation.
Architect Adrian Smith, who designed both the Burj Khalifa and the paused Jeddah Tower, emphasised the importance of structure in supertall buildings. For him, this is a field ripe for innovation, as each ‘tallest building’ brings new challenges.
The structural evolution from steel to reinforced concrete skyscrapers has marked this journey. Skyscrapers like the Sears Tower and the Empire State Building, though dwarfed by today’s megatalls, are all-steel structures. However, Burj Khalifa and the proposed Jeddah Tower are both heavily reinforced concrete structures. The evolution of concrete technology has led to concrete with higher compressive strength, making it increasingly suitable for taller structures.
The rise of supertall and megatall buildings has given birth to a new generation of skyscrapers, with innovative designs and diverse functionalities. Whether a new skyscraper will eventually dethrone the Burj Khalifa remains uncertain. However, the transformation in the realm of the world’s tallest buildings is unquestionable.
Highlight
- This 163-story marvel, crafted with a core of reinforced concrete, has carved a lasting impression on global architecture and culture.
- The question of which building might eventually surpass the Burj Khalifa remains unanswered.
- The evolution of concrete technology has led to concrete with higher compressive strength, making it increasingly suitable for taller structures.
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