Version: BM
One might look at towering skyscrapers as symbols of a country’s arrogancebut they actually stand as a testament to human progress and innovation. Malaysia is no longer just an observer in the world of architecture—it’s now a global player.
Enter Merdeka 118 – the second tallest building in the worldchallenging even icons like Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
With each floor reaching for the sky and every design element more awe-inspiring than the lastMerdeka 118 is a true reflection of Malaysia’s ambition.
Sowhich concrete giants dominate the global skyline? Let’s take a journey through the top 10 buildings that never fail to impress with their breathtaking height and design.
Table of contents
Burj KhalifaUAE
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and innovation. Known for its breathtaking heightit dominates the skyline with elegance and unparalleled engineering.
- Height: 828 meters
- Floors: 163
- Built: 2004-2010
- Location: DubaiUAE
Not just a skyscraperthe Burj Khalifa features the world’s fastest double-decker elevator and Giorgio Armani’s first hotel. Its primary structure comprises reinforced concreteand it’s designed to withstand high wind loads.
Merdeka 118Malaysia
Located in Kuala LumpurMalaysiaMerdeka 118 is the second tallest building in the world. The building’s design is a tribute to Malaysia’s independencewith its form symbolising an outstretched hand gesture.
- Height: 644 meters
- Floors: 118
- Built: 2014-2023
- Location: Kuala LumpurMalaysia
Developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhdit incorporates advanced vertical transportation systems and houses an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city centre. The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur occupies the upper floorsand the structure’s primary structure is a mix of structural steel and reinforced concrete.
Shanghai TowerChina
The Shanghai Tower stands as a beacon of futuristic design in Shanghai’s Pudong district. With a striking twisted designit’s one of the most iconic buildings globally.
- Height: 632 meters
- Floors: 128
- Built: 2008-2014
- Location: ShanghaiChina
The tower features the world’s highest hotelthe J Hoteland its top floor offers stunning views of Southeast Asia’s dynamic urban landscape. Designed with a focus on sustainabilityit has received accolades for its eco-friendly systems.
Abraj Al-Bait Clock TowerSaudi Arabia
Located in Meccathe Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is not only one of the world’s tallest buildingsbut also an essential landmark for millions of Muslims.
- Height: 601 meters
- Floors: 120
- Built: 2004-2011
- Location: MeccaSaudi Arabia
With the world’s largest clock face and proximity to the Masjid al-Haramthe tower’s architectural and cultural significance is unmatched.
Ping An Finance CentreChina
The Ping An Finance Centre in Shenzhen exemplifies modern architecture with its sleek design and commitment to sustainability.
- Height: 599 meters
- Floors: 115
- Built: 2010-2017
- Location: ShenzhenChina
The building houses premium office spaceluxury hotelsand commercial areas. Designed to endure extreme wind loadsit stands as a resilient structure in urban habitats.
Lotte World TowerSouth Korea
In Seoulthe Lotte World Tower is a marvel of engineeringcombining functionality with stunning architectural design.
- Height: 555 meters
- Floors: 123
- Built: 2011-2017
- Location: SeoulSouth Korea
The tower’s sky lobby and advanced earthquake-resistant features ensure safety and comfort. Its lantern-shaped roof made of cross-braced steel reflects traditional Korean aesthetics.
One World Trade CenterUSA
A symbol of resiliencethe One World Trade Center rises above New York City as a beacon of hope and rebirth.
- Height: 541 meters
- Floors: 94
- Built: 2006-2013
- Location: New YorkUSA
Known for its state-of-the-art securityincluding blast-resistant glassthe building’s construction process emphasised sustainability and safety.
CTF Finance CentreGuangzhouChina
The CTF Finance Centre in Guangzhou is a prime example of a mixed-use skyscraperfeaturing commercial and luxury spaces.
- Height: 530 meters
- Floors: 111
- Built: 2010-2019
- Location: GuangzhouChina
The building has the world’s fastest elevator and incorporates green building index systemsreducing its environmental footprint.
CTF Finance CentreTianjinChina
Another architectural gemthe CTF Finance Centre in Tianjin features a visually striking design and advanced technologies.
- Height: 530 meters
- Floors: 97
- Built: 2013-2019
- Location: TianjinChina
The highest occupied floor offers expansive viewswhile the tower’s structural engineer designed it to be both durable and sustainable.
CITIC TowerChina
The CITIC Toweralso known as China Zunstands as a symbol of Beijing’s rapid development.
- Height: 528 meters
- Floors: 109
- Built: 2013-2018
- Location: BeijingChina
Inspired by a traditional Chinese gobletit incorporates core walls for added stability and modern vertical transportation systems for efficiency.
Each of these towering marvels doesn’t just dominate skylines—they tell stories of bold ambitionsgroundbreaking innovationand the vibrant cultures that brought them to life!
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