HUMANS – for better or worse – were not born with wings.
But the deficiency has kept scientists, engineers, and architects alike climbing higher towards the clouds, be it through supersonic jets, jet-packs or colossal skyscrapers.
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Burj Mubarak Al Kabir
The Burj Mubarak Al Kabir, when built, wouldn’t just be the tallest building in Kuwait, but the entire world.
The proposal measures 1,001metres, just over one kilometre, and is 170m taller than the Burj Khalifa – the current title holder, at 830m.
It is expected to be completed in 2035.
The building would be a mixture of residential, hotel, and office space, and able to house a 7,000 people.
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It is intended to be based in Silk City, a large infrastructure project in northern Kuwait that is part of China’s Belt and Road initiative.
Estimated to cost $132billion (£103billion) in 2011, according to a Business Insider report, the Burj Mubarak Al Kabir will be one of the region’s most radical and expensive construction projects.
At such a height, the tower must be able to withstand extreme weather events.
Kuwait experiences strong northwesterly winds, known as shamal, which can often create large sandstorms.
To shield itself from strong weather, the Burj Mubarak Al Kabir is constructed of three twisting, interlocking structures.
New Tradewinds Square Tower
The New Tradewinds Square Tower, an ambitious project that has been likened to a giant sewing needle, could stand as tall as 775m.
That if it’s ever finished.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the hotel-office-retail space was supposed to tower above the neighbouring Petronas Towers.
The Petronas Towers are Malaysia’s current tallest building, and at 432m, are the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers.
The needle-like skyscraper was supposed to be completed in 2022, however, construction was halted in 2018.
The project now appears to be cancelled, and is not present on either website of its two architects, DP Architects and Wood Bagot.
If completed, the New Tradewinds Square Tower would be Malaysia’s tallest building and is expected to be a longtime holder of the title.
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Lakhta Centre II
The Lakhta Centre II, to be situated in St. Petersburg, Russia, is gunning to be the tallest building in Europe.
It is sibling to the Lakhta Centre, the current European title holder at 462m.
The second edition aims to be 703m, and is hope to be completed in 2030.
The office building will be constructed next to the existing Gulf of Finland-facing Lakhta Centre in the Russian capital.
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Shenzhen Tower
At 642m, the Shenzhen Tower is intended to mark the gateway to the eastern expansion of its namesake city, Shenzhen, in China.
The full development includes commercial, civic, office, hotel, and residential spaces.
The mixed-use tower will also have multiple sky gardens, spaces Chinese architects use to bring life into urban sprawl.
As the building rises, the facade steps back, enabling rainwater capture.
Architects believe this will replace the building’s annual estimated water usage.
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Nexus Tower
The 595m proposed Nexus Tower, also based in Shenzhen, boasts a unique shape for a skyscraper.
It embodies what the data already shows: that Asia and the Middle East are winning “the race to the skies”, according to Statista.
The project forgets the classic, linear model, and instead opts for three segments of different heights.
According to the project’s architects, this arrangement allows for more natural lighting and ventilation.
However, a tower design with a slab approach could create weak wind bearings.
To combat this, the team has rotated three parts of the building on a stable tripod-like structure.
The building is made of three interlocked parts, connecting with a central core.
It is set to mostly be an office and retail space, although it is expected to have a 14-story hotel at the top.
