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Tallest Buildings in the World
by Beth RowenFor thousands of years, buildings have been used to show off power and wealth, to honor leaders or religions, to stretch architectural limits, and even to impress the competition. In the 19th century, engineering developments paved the way for a whole new type of building: the skyscraper. Follow this slideshow to see and learn about the tallest buildings in the world.
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Burj Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Even though the Burj Dubai is still under construction, set to be completed in September 2009, it's already the world's tallest manmade structure. As of the end of September 2008, Burj Dubai rose to 2,320 ft (707 m) tall. The exact height is top secret but is estimated to be at least 2,313 ft and 167 floors high. Designed by the firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Burj Dubai features a triple-lobed footprint that was inspired by an abstract rendering of the Hymenocallis, a desert flower native to the area. The structure, which somewhat resembles the Sears Tower, is located in the heart of Dubai's bustling business district. A hotel will occupy the bottom 37 floors of the building. Floors 45 through 108 will house apartments, and corporate offices will take up the remainder of the building.
Fun Fact: Fashion designer Georgio Armani will open the first Armani Hotel in the Burj Dubai and will design its interior.
Photo source: Thomas Doerfer
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