The Most Beautiful Skyscraper in the World, Ranked

Choose the skyscraper you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:20
Skyscrapers not only reshape the skyline but also reflect the architectural ambition of their era. The quest to determine the most beautiful skyscraper is a celebration of design, innovation, and the cultural significance of these towering structures. By ranking these marvels, individuals gain an understanding of the diverse stylistic approaches adopted by architects across different continents and time periods. Each vote cast on this site contributes to the collective perception of beauty and innovation in skyscraper design. As visitors engage with the rankings, they are encouraged to consider both aesthetic appeal and architectural significance. The dynamic nature of the list ensures that fresh perspectives continually shape the emerging trends in skyscraper aesthetics.

What Is the Most Beautiful Skyscraper in the World?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    At 828 meters, it is the tallest building in the world and features an impressive design inspired by traditional Islamic architecture.
    Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is known for its stunning architecture and unique design. Standing at a height of 828 meters, it is considered the tallest man-made structure in the world. The Burj Khalifa has become an iconic symbol of Dubai's modernity and technological advancements.
    • Height: 828 meters (2,722 feet)
    • Floors: 163
    • Construction Started: 2004
    • Construction Completed: 2010
    • Total Cost: $1.5 billion USD
    Burj Khalifa, Dubai in other rankings
  2. 2
    35
    votes

    Taipei 101, Taiwan

    C.Y. Lee & Partners
    Standing at 508 meters, it was the tallest building in the world before being surpassed by the Burj Khalifa. Its unique design, inspired by bamboo, is a symbol of strength and flexibility.
    The Taipei 101, located in Taipei, Taiwan, is an iconic skyscraper that stands as a symbol of modern engineering and design. It is renowned for its unique and impressive architectural features.
    • Height: 509.2 meters (1,671 feet)
    • Floors: 101
    • Completed: 2004
    • Architectural Style: Postmodern
    • Material: Reinforced concrete and steel
    Taipei 101, Taiwan in other rankings
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Shanghai Tower, China
    Baycrest · CC BY-SA 2.5
    At 632 meters, it is the second-tallest building in the world and features a distinctive twisted design that provides structural stability and energy efficiency.
    The Shanghai Tower is a towering skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It is renowned for its stunning architectural design and impressive height, making it one of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world. The tower serves as a multi-purpose building, housing offices, hotels, retail spaces, and observation decks.
    • Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
    • Floors: 127
    • Floor area: 578,000 square meters (6,221,540 square feet)
    • Observation decks: There are two observation decks: one at the 118th floor (546 meters high) and another at the 119th floor (552 meters high)
    • Sustainable design: The Shanghai Tower features various sustainable design elements, including a double-skin façade, wind turbines, and rainwater collection systems
  4. 4
    26
    votes
    Petronas Towers, Malaysia
    Someformofhuman · CC BY-SA 4.0
    These twin towers stand at 452 meters and were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. Their sleek design is inspired by Islamic art and architecture.
    The Petronas Towers, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are a pair of iconic skyscrapers that stand at a height of 452 meters (1,483 feet). Completed in 1998, they held the title of the world's tallest buildings until 2004. The towers are part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre development project and serve as the headquarters for the national oil company, Petronas.
    • Height: 452 meters (including antenna)
    • Floors: 88
    • Construction Period: 1992 - 1998
    • Architectural Style: Postmodern
    • Materials: Steel and reinforced concrete
  5. 5
    7
    votes
    This 309-meter tower is the tallest building in the European Union and features a unique glass façade that reflects the changing sky. It also offers stunning views of the city.
    The Shard, also known as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge, or simply the Shard, is a 95-story supertall skyscraper located in London, United Kingdom. It is currently the tallest building in the UK and the European Union. The tower's distinctive shape with a tapered glass façade provides stunning panoramic views of the city, and it serves as a multifunctional space housing offices, restaurants, residential apartments, an observatory, a hotel, and a public viewing gallery.
    • Location: London, United Kingdom
    • Height: 310 meters (1,017 feet)
    • Floors: 95 storeys
    • Construction Started: 2009
    • Construction Completed: 2012
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Empire State Building, New York City
    Victor Perelli · Public domain
    This iconic skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world and stands at 381 meters. Its Art Deco design is instantly recognizable and it remains a symbol of New York.
    The Empire State Building in New York City is an iconic skyscraper known for its impressive architecture and breathtaking views. Rising 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) high, it held the title of tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years after its completion in 1931. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable symbols of New York City and a popular tourist attraction.
    • Height: 1,454 feet (443.2 meters)
    • Floors: 102
    • Construction Period: 1930-1931
    • Architectural Style: Art Deco
    • Location: 350 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
    Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This 55-story building features a distinctive design that includes a rooftop infinity pool and a public sky park. It is a popular attraction in Singapore and offers stunning views of the city.
    Marina Bay Sands, Singapore in other rankings
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Lotte World Tower, South Korea
    Pectus Solentis · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Lotte World Tower, South Korea

    Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
    This 555-meter tower is the fifth-tallest building in the world and features a striking glass façade that reflects the sky and surrounding buildings. It also includes a luxury hotel and observation deck.
    The Lotte World Tower is a stunning skyscraper located in Seoul, South Korea. It stands as a symbol of technological advancement and modern design in the city's skyline. With its sleek and elegant architecture, it captivates the eyes of both locals and visitors alike.
    • Height: 555 meters (1,821 feet)
    • Floors: 123 above ground, 6 below ground
    • Year of Completion: 2017
    • Purpose: Mixed-use (offices, hotel, retail, residential)
    • Observation Deck: Located on the 118th to 123rd floors
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    The Willis Tower, Chicago
    Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This 442-meter building was once the tallest building in the world and is still an iconic symbol of Chicago. Its distinctive black exterior and unique design make it a popular tourist attraction.
    The Willis Tower, also known as the Sears Tower, is a renowned skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois. It held the title of the world's tallest building for twenty-five years until it was surpassed by the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Despite losing its tallest title, the Willis Tower remains an iconic landmark of Chicago's skyline and a marvel of engineering.
    • Height: 1,450 feet (442 meters)
    • Floors: 108
    • Construction Period: 1970-1973
    • Architectural Style: Modernism
    • Elevators: 104
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    This 541-meter tower stands on the site of the former World Trade Center and is a symbol of resilience and hope. Its design includes a spire that reaches to the sky and an observation deck that offers stunning views of the city.
    The One World Trade Center is a stunning skyscraper located in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It stands as a symbol of resilience and strength, paying tribute to the original World Trade Center that was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. Completed in 2014, this magnificent structure has quickly become an iconic part of the city's skyline.
    • Height: 1,776 feet (541 meters)
    • Floors: 104
    • Construction Cost: $3.9 billion
    • Construction Started: April 27, 2006
    • Construction Completed: May 10, 2013

Missing your favorite skyscraper?

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Ranking factors for beautiful skyscraper

  1. Architectural design
    The overall design of the skyscraper should be aesthetically pleasing, with a unique and innovative structure. This includes the shape, form, and facade of the building.
  2. Height
    Although not the only determinant, the height of a skyscraper can contribute to its beauty by showcasing structural engineering achievements and providing a sense of awe and grandeur.
  3. Integration of technology
    The use of modern technology and materials in the construction and operation of the skyscraper can contribute to its beauty by providing energy efficiency, sustainability, and functionality.
  4. Context
    The skyscraper should enhance and complement its surroundings, rather than detract from them. This can include factors such as how well it fits into the city skyline, or whether it respects and interacts with the local environment and culture.
  5. Landscaping
    Beautiful skyscrapers often include thoughtful landscaping designs, both at ground level and within the building, such as gardens, terraces, or green roofs.
  6. Interior design
    While the exterior of a skyscraper is crucial, the interior spaces should also be well-designed, elegant, and thoughtful, contributing to the overall beauty of the building.
  7. Lighting
    The lighting design, both inside and outside the skyscraper, can dramatically impact its beauty. A well-lit building can showcase its design elements and provide a visual impact, especially at night.
  8. Structural engineering
    A beautiful skyscraper should combine form with function, showcasing engineering innovations and abilities. This can include unique load-bearing structures or other engineering marvels that contribute to the building's aesthetics.
  9. Iconic status
    Some skyscrapers achieve an iconic status due to their cultural, historical, or symbolic significance, which adds to their overall beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful skyscraper in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Skyscraper is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2690 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Skyscraper once every 24 hours. The rank of each Skyscraper is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful skyscraper in the world

Skyscrapers have been an iconic fixture of modern cities around the world. These towering structures symbolize the growth and development of urban landscapes, and serve as a testament to human engineering and architectural prowess. With so many impressive skyscrapers around the globe, it's no wonder that people are often curious about the most beautiful among them. From the towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the sleek Shard in London, there are countless contenders for the title of the world's most beautiful skyscraper. So, which one will come out on top? Let's take a closer look at some of the most stunning skyscrapers from around the world and find out.

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