November 7, 2005—There are more tall buildings under construction than ever, reports the Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat. Skyscraper boosters say the record construction should quash any predictions about the demise of highrises, made after the destruction, four years ago, of the World Trade Centers 110-story towers.
There are more than 140 tall buildings under construction worldwide that are 200 meters or taller, says the Chicago-based council and Emporis, the new keeper of its online database. Of these, 25 will be over 300 meters, and seven over 400 meters.
The project topping the list is the Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirate. The Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties is keeping the height under wraps, but the council estimates it at over 700 meters. The designers say over 600 meters. Anything over 509 meters would top Taipei 101, the current title holder.
The $530-million Federation Complex, just under way in Moscow, is on deck to become Europes tallest building, at 345 meters. The building is designed by NPS Tchoban Voss, Berlin, with structural engineer Thornton-Tomasetti, New York City. It is 13th on the councils list.
For more information, visit the Web site of the Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat.
