The Tallest Buildings In Asia

The discovery of steel and the invention of elevators were important driving forces behind the construction of skyscrapers in the 19th century. For a long time after these discoveries, most skyscraper construction was confined to North America. In recent times, however, skyscraper construction has been embraced the world over, particularly in Asia. Although they carry a heavy initial cost of construction, skyscrapers are often economical and profitable real estate establishments due to their large capacity potential.

1. Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building Asia but also the the tallest in the world, standing at the height of 2,715 feet. Located in Dubai, constructed lasted from 2004 to 2009 before opening for use in January 2010. Built in the neo-futurism architectural style, the Burj Khalifa has 163 floors out of which 154 are functional while nine are used for maintenance, and 2 are underground parking spaces. The building is fitted with eight escalators, 55 of which are single-deck, and two are double-deck. The building houses the world’s highest nightclub on the 144th floor as well as the world's highest restaurant, the At.mosphere, on the 122nd floor.

2. Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in Asia and the tallest in China at the height of 2073 feet. The Tower is a mixed use building with residential units, offices, entertainment areas, restaurants, and retail shops spread out over its 128 floors. The building has a spiral shape that tilts after every floor in order to reduce the effect of winds. The building has 106 lifts and elevators. Its elevators move at a speed of 74km/hr, making them the fastest in the world. Construction of the tower lasted between 2008 and 2014. It was opened and inaugurated in 2015.

3. Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel

The clock tower hotel, also called Abraj Al Bait, is a Saudi Arabian building in located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the third tallest building in Asia at 1,971 feet. Construction began on the 120-floor government-owned building in 2004 in a postmodern architectural style. It was opened to the public in 2011. There are 96 elevators in the building. The Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel is part of the modernization project known as the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project. The building has units for residence, business, hotel, and leisure as well as a large prayer room capable of accommodating 10,000 people at the same time.

4. Lotte World Tower

The Lotte world tower in Seoul, South Korea, is the fourth tallest building in Asia at the height of 1,821 feet. The 123-floor building was constructed from 2011 to 2016. The floors are divided into six floors of underground parking, podiums, prime offices, residential units, the Lotte Hotel, private offices and an observation deck which provides a unique view of the city and skyline. The Lotte tower was opened in April 2017.

The Future Of Skyscrapers In Asia

The continent's rapid economic growth, combined with an increase in international business travel land the expanding wealthy and middle-class populations will like continue to increase the demand for high-end development. Population pressure in most of the Asian continent and land scarcity is also a significant boost to the construction of vertical cities that can accommodate numerous residential units within a small unit of land. Other tall buildings in Asia include Taipei 101, Taiwan, Shanghai world Financial Centre, the twin Petronas Towers of Malaysia, the Zifeng Tower, and Kingkey 100.