The race for the tallest building - Predictions & Reality

Not so long ago, the crown of the tallest building in the world belonged to the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, which rise to 452 meters, each. But this was the 2000’s, and the race for the world’s tallest building was just beginning to warm up. Ten years later, the Burj Khalifa was anointed as the tallest building with its staggering height of 828 meters into the skies and took charge as the record-winner. This undoubtedly spurred a relentless chase where countries of the world prepared to claim the crown as fast they could manage. 

It has been ten years since and the architectural marvel still gallantly wears that crown. With many contenders in the making, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that its authority is challenged by another gleaming skyscraper.

Here is a look at some assumptions made in 2012 and what turned to be the current reality of these predictions -

1. Prediction: By 2020, there will be at least eight mega tall buildings (of 600 meters’ or greater height) existing worldwide.

Reality: In the second quarter of 2020, there are three mega tall buildings in      existence. These are the Burj Khalifa, Dubai (828 meters); Shanghai Tower, Shanghai (632 meters); and Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel (601 meters), Mecca.

2. Prediction: In two decades (2000-2020), the height of the ‘World’s Tallest Building’ will have more than doubled.

Reality: The World’s Tallest Building(s) in 2000 were the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, which rise to 452 meters, each. In 2020, the Burj Khalifa remains the World’s Tallest Building at 828 meters (and has been since 2010), which is 1.8 times the height of the Petronas Twin Towers.

3. Prediction: China will have 10 of the 20 world’s tallest buildings in 2020.

Reality: In 2020, China has 13 of the world’s 20 tallest buildings.

4. Prediction: South Korea could potentially have three of the world’s 20 tallest buildings in 2020.

Reality: South Korea has one of the world’s 20 tallest buildings in 2020, Lotte World Center in Seoul (555 meters). It is currently the world’s fifth-tallest building.

5. Prediction: Saudi Arabia will have two of the 20 world’s tallest buildings in 2020.

Reality: Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s 20 tallest buildings, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower.

6. Prediction: The United Arab Emirates will have two of the 20 world’s tallest buildings in 2020.

Reality: The United Arab Emirates has the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa (828 meters), in Dubai.

7. Prediction: Asia will house 70 percent of the world’s 20 tallest buildings in 2020 (14); the Middle East will have 25 percent (5) and North America will have just one building or 5 percent, and the only one in the western hemisphere.

Reality: Asia, in fact, has 80 percent (16) of the world’s 20 tallest buildings. The Middle East has 10 percent (2); Europe has 5 percent (1), and North America has 5 percent (1).