Asia's Quest For The Ultra-Skyscraper

Date: 21 March 2007

Wealth, growth, and the desire to make a mark are spurring cities to build ever higher power-towers—and reshaping architectural design in the process.Scientists haven't isolated the "trophy tower" gene just yet.

But there is something almost primal about the century-plus quest by some mega-ambitious cities to build the ultimate, record-busting, flat-out tallest skyscraper on the planet. The old power-tower rivalry early last century between New York and Chicago is legendary. Now the obsession to build mega-structures in nose-bleed territory has gripped much of Asia.



True, oil-rich countries in the Middle East have their living-large dreams, too, and there is one mind-blowing project now under way in Dubai. Still, the betting is that Asian cities likely will transform 21st-century skyscraper architecture in the biggest way. Currently eight of the world's 10 tallest skyscrapers are in the region. And the present reigning champ among skyscrapers globally is Taiwan's Taipei 101, a structure that soars 509 meters, or 1,671 ft.



On top of that, there is the right combination of high-speed growth, accumulated wealth and power tower-obsessed politicians from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai that will keep the boom going for many years to come. Even lesser-known regional cities that have a burning ambition to make their mark view big, gutsy, and distinctively designed skyscrapers as potential game-changers—and are willing to offer serious incentives to make them happen.


600450 Asia's Quest For The Ultra-Skyscraper glassonweb.com

See more news about:

Others also read

March brought continued challenges for architecture firms, as the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) recorded a score of 44.1, indicating that many firms are still experiencing declining billings.
PRPM Architekten’s design connects old and new Innsbruck, with OKALUX KAPILUX T providing diffuse daylight and thermal comfort.
The Face2Face Campus in Katowice features Glas Trösch’s high-performance glass, combining design, comfort, and efficiency.
With SANCO ESI Sun and SANCO Plus Zero NG glazing by Glas Zange, the project combines sleek architectural design with outstanding solar control and thermal insulation, shaping a bright, energy-efficient future for the city.
Featuring OKALUX EVO insulating glass, the architecture invites nature in while ensuring optimal light, comfort, and energy performance.
With dynamic glazing by Scheuten Glas and a façade designed to perform as well as impress, the building blends visual impact with energy efficiency — redefining modern urban living.

Add new comment

From industry

Ottergemsesteenweg 707-Zuid
9000 Ghent
Belgium

Via Del Lavoro Snc
64023 Mosciano Sant’Angelo TE
Italy

Polígono Industrial El Bayo, parcela I, 19
24492 Cubillos del Sil León
Spain

NEWS RELATED PRODUCTS