With the number of tall buildings doubling over the next ten years and the number of megatall towers expected to jump from two to 10 by 2020, building construction around the world is literally reaching new heights. But innovative designs are being carried out closer to the ground as well.
Skyscrapers are changing the landscapes of cities from the conventional brick five storey buildings to the hordes of glass covered fifty storey scrapers decorating the skyline. Here’s our handy guide to some of the most interesting buildings slated for completion next year.
Opens – 2015
On track to become the world’s second-tallest building, Gensler’s Shanghai Tower has already topped out at a height of 632 metres, surpassed only by the 828-metre Burj Khalifa in Dubai.It is the tallest structure ever built in China and features a twisted form generated after a series of wind-tunnel tests. It will offer an observation deck on the 124th floor when it opens later this year.
Opens – Late 2015
The Dubai Frame project — shaped like a giant window frame — is 35 per cent complete and will serve as a 150 metre by 93 metre frame of a view of modern Dubai on one side and the older city on the other. There will also be a viewing gallery on the top offering panoramic views. The Dh160 million tourist attraction, is taking shape near the Star Gate play area in Zabeel Park, chosen as the location after extensive surveys of what site would offer the best views of new Dubai and old Dubai through the frame.
Opens – Late 2015
At 1450 feet, realty giant Lodha’s World One is currently India’s tallest building under construction. The skyscraper will entail 117 floors and is expected to be the world’s tallest residential tower. One of the landmark features of this iconic development with be an exclusive observatory called ‘1000’ – located at a height of 1000 feet above the city. This open‐to‐air observatory will allow residents to enjoy fabulous views of the city and the Arabian Sea – it is estimated that a person can see as far away as 60kms from the building from this height.
Opens – 2015
A fine arts museum, described by its creator, Jean Nouvel, as an ‘island on an island’. Within the vast ‘floating’ dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a whole new world, where rain of light patterns illuminates a micro-city of small galleries, lakes and landscaping. Louvre Abu Dhabi will be the first universal museum in the Arab world. Born of an agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will display art, manuscripts and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance.
Opens – 2015
A flooded quarry in Songjiang, China, is soon going to become home to a breathtaking 17-storey hotel called the Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental. With just two stories above ground, the remaining 15 will run down the side of the 80 meter high quarry cliff like a glass waterfall. The thermal mass of the stone will serve to stabilise the temperature of the inside environment, reducing energy requirements.
Opens – 2015
Designed by Rafael Vinoly, the tower boasts 104 luxury condominium complexes (starting at 356 feet from the ground), 10-foot-by-10-foot windows, private elevator landings, heated bathroom floors and the option to purchase a climate-controlled wine cellar ($320,000). Starting next year, not only will residents be treated to 30,000 square feet of private amenities, including a restaurant, outdoor terrace and, naturally, a gym, but a 75-foot-pool and massage therapy room ensure tenants won’t have to leave the complex for a day at the spa.
