Skyscrapers are the modern wonders of the world, incredibly high structures that are not only useful, but also illustrate the ambition of humanity and desire for progress and growth...
While many high buildings are only thirty meters represent shiny objects of engineering, some are true architectural masterpieces. We present you a list of the 15 best and most magnificent skyscrapers in the world:
15. 30 St Mary Axe, London
Located in the heart of London, 30 St Mary Axe was built on the site of the Baltic Market, which was an iconic structure that was the center of the global trading. More than 10 years after the completion of the construction project, this skyscraper has become an icon of London itself, and the locals affectionately called him Gherkin, because of its unusual shape.
14. F & F Tower, Panama City
F & F Tower in Panama City is considered to be one of the best skyscrapers built in 2011 and is a real feature of this town. And it is so, not only because of its impressive height. Its height is just over 240 meters, and it contains offices and business premises. Previously, it was known as the Revolution Tower, and it is colored in various shades of green and is known as "Twistscraper" or skyscraper with an unusual, spiral shape.
13. Aqua, Chicago
Chicago is a city that is known for its large number of skyscrapers and actually was a pioneer in the field of construction unusually high structures 150 years ago. Today, the Windy City has a number of very impressive buildings, such as the alluring Aqua Tower. Its balconies that go to 3.7 meters in length, giving the façade a very unusual look, and so viewed from a distance, it seems like a great unusual sculpture.
12. Scandic Victoria Tower, Stockholm
Located in the northwest of Stockholm, Scandic Victoria Tower is the tallest hotel in the Swedish capital, as well as the tallest hotel in Scandinavia. This is a very striking structure in this area of the world that is otherwise rather unobtrusive and unnoticed. Glass skyscraper has triangular windows that form an interesting pattern, and also has the unusual design of the hammer, which makes it even more appealing.
11. Messeturm, Frankfurt
Completed in 1990, Messeturm tower is one of the older buildings on our list and it perfectly shows that this branch of architectural art was developed several decades ago. Even then, skyscrapers were a real masterpiece. This huge office building, located in the center of Frankfurt, is still one of the most important features of the city, although it was surpassed by the height of buildings Commerzbank. Anyway, this is one of the few buildings in Germany that have its own postal code.
10. The Bow, Calgary
Many skyscrapers were given their names by the company or the one who paid for their construction, which is fine, since their construction is really costly. However, it is much more interesting when buildings get some unusual descriptive names. This is precisely the case with Bow tower in the city of Calgary. This is the tallest office building in Canada, which is located outside of Toronto, and it overlooks the Bow River while dominating the landscape of the city with its interesting crescent shape.
9. Al Hamra Tower, Kuwait
As one of the tallest buildings of Kuwait, Al Hamra Tower is a magnificent scene and not only because of its size. It holds the title of the best innovation of 2011 awarded by TIME magazine. This structure has an unusual asymmetric design that makes maximum use of its view of the bay and at the same time reduces the effect of the sun's heat.
8. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, Tokyo
We're used to believe, when we think of a skyscraper, that it usually represents a residential or commercial building. This is not the case with the Tokyo Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower. It is actually an educational institution. Although it is no longer among the 10 tallest skyscrapers in Japan, however, it has maintained its position as one of the most interesting. This building is home to three educational institutions and is one of the tallest buildings in the world that are used for this purpose.
7. One World Trade Center, New York
Built near the place where the famous New York's Twin Towers stood, One World Trade Center is a great sight. This is by far the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere and is in the top five on the planet. This building magically dominates the panorama of Manhattan, which is very impressive. Like many other modern structures, this building has many elements of sustainable development.
6. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
As a symbol of Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers were once the tallest buildings of the world, in the period from 1998 to 2006, when it was overtaken by Taipei 101 skyscraper. These structures are built of reinforced concrete, which is much more economical alternative to the steel and are connected by a bridge which is located at a height of 41st and 42nd floor. This is the highest decked bridge in the world.
5. The Shard, London
It is stands 309 meters in height above the panorama of London; The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and the European Union. This glass structure in the shape of a pyramid dominates the panorama of the city and it is one of the most famous structures in it.
4. Mercury City Tower, Moscow
As part of the ultra modern Moscow International Business Center, 330 meters tall Mercury City Tower is the tallest building in Europe. This new development project of the Russian capital also contains a few other tall buildings, but the Mercury Tower is definitely something special. It has an enviable height and interesting orange-painted facades.
3. Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai
Another gigantic building had risen in the Eastern Hemisphere, as well as many others. Jin Mao Tower was once the tallest structure in China, until it is not overtaken by the Shanghai World Financial Center. Together with the Shanghai Tower, which should be open this year, the trio will present the world's first group of super tall skyscrapers, which will no doubt be an impressive sight. Although the lowest of the three buildings, Jin Mao Tower is definitely the most beautiful with its appearance in the style pagoda, which is in contrast with the smooth, futuristic exterior of its sisters.
2. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
We can not talk about skyscrapers, with failing to mention the miracle of Dubai - Burj Khalifa. With the height of 829.9 meters incredible, this modern miracle is the tallest building in the world, and is designed as a perfect promoter metropolis Emirates. We can say that it has met its goal.
1. Taipei 101, Taipei
Built in 2004, Taipei 101 is an architectural masterpiece that was once the tallest building of the world, i.e. until the construction of Burj Khalifa. It has a height of 509 meters and eight distinctive elements that give it its similarity to the pagoda, from design, to the meaning of the numbers. Also, this skyscraper is designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes, has LEED Platinum certification, which means that it is ecologically aware.
