NEW Manhattan Residential SKYSCRAPER: 56 Leonard

http://56leonardtribeca.com/home/

Herzog & de Meuron have designed an iconic tower in the New York skyline. 56 Leonard is a 60-story vertical glass expression of sculpted surfaces, cantilevers and sparkling glass.
  

This “new generation” of glamorous sky high towers taking over the Manhattan skyline is a jenga-inspired building that will stand at approximately 821 feet tall.

It will be TriBeCa's tallest tower and the top ten floors are penthouses.

http://56leonardtribeca.com/home/

 http://56leonardtribeca.com/home/

http://56leonardtribeca.com/home/

http://56leonardtribeca.com/home/

NORDSTROM's TOWER in NYC will be world's tallest RESIDENTIAL TOWER

A new skyscraper is going up in midtown Manhattan which will be the tallest residential tower in the world and the the fifth tallest building in the world.  It's spire will top out at 1775 ft, just a foot lower than 1WTC but the actual roof height will be 1479 ft versus WTC's 1368 ft.  

The building, with an estimated completion date in 2018 is a super-slim, super-tall, tiered skyscraper. The first seven floors will house a Nordstrom's store and the remainder of the building will residences.  

The building was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the firm responsible for Dubai's massive Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world.   This building joins another of new proposed super tall towers in NYC.  Exciting.

For more information:

http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2014/07/09/extells_nordstrom_tower_to_almost_match_one_world_trade.php.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2687728/New-Yorks-Nordstrom-Tower-tallest-residential-structure-world.html

Well HELLO gorgeous: new building in SUZHOU, CHINA

A new gorgeous building, "Gate of the Orient", is under construction in Sozhou.   It's been criticized by some who say it looks like a pair of pants (As per the Daily Mail : "Architectural triumphs or just plain pants?:  China's latest superstructures resemble a giant pair of long johns… "(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gate_to_the_East) .

Others have praised it.

I fall into the later category.  I think it is elegant.  How about you?

The new skyscraper which will top out at 980 ft. (74 floors) is currently under construction in China.    Here's a photo of building under construction from 2012.   Architecture (and all photos) by RMJM an international.  RMJM's, an international architectural firm, work encompasses architecture, sustainable design, urban planning, and master planning http://www.rmjm.com/profile/ .

Gorgeous new TOWER design for Jakarta Indonesia

This is a stunning new design by architects US architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).   Created for the state-owned energy company, Pertamina, the large-scale project will feature a performing arts and exhibition pavilion, a mosque, and a central energy plant in addition to the office tower. Rising more than 1739 ft (530 metres) above Jakarta, the tower will be a new landmark on the capitol's skyline. 

The unique, elegant design features an integrated "wind funnel" that generates energy from prevailing air currents.The new tower will be the tallest building in Indonesia and one of the tallest buildings in the world once completed  (the new One World Trade Center is 1,776 feet but that includes a 406 ft antenna).



I've always wanted to go to Jakarta after seeing the fantastic movie, The Year of Living Dangerously, with Sigourney Weaver, Mel Gibson and Linda Hunt decades ago.  Guess I'll have to wait unit 2020 to finally visit so that I can see the finished Pertamina tower.






ttp://www.dezeen.com/2013/12/11/som-indonesia-skyscraper-harness-wind-power/

New TALLEST building in China

Gorgeous, isn't it.   Very elegant and shapely.  Shanghai Tower, eponymously named, just topped out a few days ago in China and now is the tallest building in Asia.

At 2,073ft (632 metre) structure, Shanghai Tower stands in the city’s Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, beside the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.   It is the tallest building in Asia and the second-tallest building in the world, after 2,716.5ft-tall Burj Khalifa.

Perhaps even more impressive than the structure’s height will be its form. The semi-transparent building twists as it rises – its spiralling form is meant to reduce wind load by 24 per cent during typhoons. Designers claim the curve is also meant to “symbolise the dynamic emergence of modern China.”

An undulating, curving tower, this will become the tallest of many planned curved or spiraling skyscrapers in the works around the world (see previous blog entries:  http://markgsmusings.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-want-to-live-in-this-cool-building.html and http://markgsmusings.blogspot.com/2009/08/those-dubai-dudes-are-really-amazing.html).

Shanghai Tower is the creation of US-based architectural firm Gensler, whose other developments include Houston’s Hess Tower and Farmers Field in Los Angeles. The 121-story building will include offices, numerous entertainment venues, retail units, a conference centre, cultural attractions and a luxury hotel.

The building will be joined by a number of other Chinese record breakers in time. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat last year found that nine of the 20 tallest buildings currently under construction worldwide were being built in China. Last month it was announced that construction of what would be the world’s tallest building (see earlier blog:  http://markgsmusings.blogspot.com/2013/07/chinas-proposed-new-tallest-building-in.html) had begun in Changsha in China’s Hunan province.

Construction on the building was begun in 2008.   That means that the construction of the future tallest building in the world that I discussed a couple of days ago (click here: http://markgsmusings.blogspot.com/2013/07/chinas-proposed-new-tallest-building-in.html) is all the more remarkable, because, assuming it is built, as proposed, would be completed in just months.   This really interesting photo study of the construction process is fascinating.    Particularly the photo which shows the framework built to create the exterior shape.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ultratravel/the-next-big-thing/10231608/Shanghais-new-landmark-Chinas-tallest-building.html

CHINA'S proposed NEW TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD--construction postponed

China is an architectural powerhouse.  The proposed Sky City will knock Burj Khalifa in Dubai to second place in the tallest buildings in the world.  When it is completed remarkably in just months according to construction firm Broad Sustainable Building Technology using pre-fabricated components that slot together to complete construction so rapidly.  This is an astonishing short period of time, considering it took approximately six years to complete the Burj.

Construction had begun until recently when it was stopped construction due to lack of government approval.

Sky City will be located in Changsha in central China.  It will be 2,749ft tall (838 metres) surpassing the Burj Khalif by 27ft in height (2,722 ft, 830).  Once completed the 220-story (the Burj has 163-stories) structure will  include schools, a hospital, office facilities, 17 helipads and apartments for over 30,000 people.  Of the total space available, nearly 83% will be for residential purposes. 5% will be for the hotel housing 1000, while 3% each will be dedicated to schools, hospitals, offices and shops.

Broad has already constructed 20 buildings in China using this new methodology of pre-fabrication.  According to the company, 95% of Sky City will be built in Broad's factory before any excavation takes place at the construction site.

Sources:

http://archinect.com/news/article/78369996/sky-city-world-s-tallest-building-stops-construction-due-to-lack-of-government-approval

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_City

http://www.dezeen.com/2013/07/31/worlds-tallest-building-update/

Proposed Mumbai Skyscraper Will Be Its Tallest and Greenest

 Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture‘s proposal for Mumbai’s tallest building, the Imperial Tower, which will be a slender 116-story, 400-meter residential skyscraper. According to AS+GG, the svelte structure the extremely tall and thin tower is designed (two adjectives you don’t normally associate with sturdiness). 

All images courtesy of AS+GG

The tower, if built, will include "sky gardens," which have been designed to "dampen" wind eddying about the tower helping the structure to stand strong against a sudden gale. 

AS+GG designed the skyscraper to minimize its effects on climate change. Environmentally friendly features include rainwater harvesting, gray water recycling, and exterior cladding to limit solar heat gain. A fascinating aspect of the design is the possibility that the apartments’ kitchens and bathrooms could be prefabricated by a local factory.

It's beautiful.......wonder if it will be built.

All images courtesy of AS+GG

All images courtesy of AS+GG

All images courtesy of AS+GG

All images courtesy of AS+GG

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/design/2013/05/will-mumbais-tallest-skyscraper-be-its-greenest-too/5500/

Skyscrapers of the FUTURE in an annual competition from eVolo

Architecture magazine eVolo conducts an annual competition for submissions from architects, designers and artists for the most cutting edge designs for the future.  The winner (which is not shown here, BTW) was unusual, as were the other submissions.  I didn't like the winner so much so I'm not highlighting it.

My favorites, though, are included below.

One of the most interesting and provocative submissions is a picture of mobile buildings on the planet, Mars, which really captivated my imagination.

What a great and unusual annual competition.  Check out the magazine's website at http://www.evolo.us.

I discovered this topic at Daily Mail Online at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2295583/Skyscrapers-future-The-weird-wonderful-architectural-designs-unusual-buildings-really-stand-up.html

CHINESE company plans to BUILD world's TALLEST SKYSCRAPER

A construction company yesterday revealed plans to build the world's tallest skyscraper, called Sky City, which will stand 2,749ft tall and have a phenomenal 220 floors. This half-mile high superstructure will be 32ft taller than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai - the current tallest building - and is expected to cost almost half as much.

Sky City will be Changsha in southeast China and is being designed by Chinese-based Broad Group. It will house 17,400 people and also boast hotels, hospitals, schools and office space with occupants using 104 high-speed lifts to get around.

What's even more amazing is that it will only take three months to construct will mean nine of the 10 tallest skyscrapers in the world are in Asia. This astonishing pace of construction, which will see five stories go up a day, is the result of a revolutionary method of prefabricated buildings where blocks are built off site and slotted together to save time.

Despite concerns about its structural rigidity, Broad Group says the half-mile high building will be able to withstand a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. They've also tested their method of prefabrication having built last year 30-storey tower in 15 days.

Article by Damien Gayle, Daily Mail. Click here to read

Photos copyright of Broads/SWIN.com

NOW that's TALL

These pictures were taken by German photographer Bjoern Lauen, who went up to the top of another building to capture the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, in the central business district at sunrise. Mr Lauen, who has lived in Dubai since 2005, added: 'It is a bit of a challenge for motorists on Dubai's roads and a rare natural spectacle for the very early riser.

'During those few moments before, Downtown Dubai, with Burj Khalifa...is covered under a blanket of white.

Standing at more than 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is also the tallest free-standing building. That's 1,000 feet taller than the second tallest structure in the world, Shanghai World Financial Center which equates to almost a doubling of height.

Now that is my kind of tall. Taller, further, faster, more beautiful, more efficient. That is what human beauty and spirit should be. Unfortunately, how much of all the underbelly, the truly repugnant aspects of the species of man were substantially used to create this one item of exquisite perfectness and beauty. Was it worth it? I say yes and yet I'm also ashamed of how much harm we do to our world.

National News and Pictures

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2219800/Rising-clouds-The-worlds-tallest-building-peaks-mist-Dubais-skyscrapers-dwarfed-stunning-sea-fog.html

New FLAME Towers in Baku

Designed by US architect Barry Hughes of HOK architectural firm.

The Flame Towers project which was just completed is comprised of three residential towers, the tallest tower, Tower 1, is 620ft. At night the towers are lit truly illuminating their "flame" form.

From CNN: http://us.cnn.com/2012/09/26/world/asia/great-buildings-barry-hughes/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

New TALLEST BUILDING in the world Announced

The Saudi royal family announced yesterday its plans to build the world's tallest building which will be over a mile high (5,280 feet). It will be located outside of the port city of Jeddah and will create a new city of 80,000 residents.

Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia will be 275-stories tall when it is completed and consist of hotels, offices, luxury apartments and a shopping center. The structure will be twice the height of the world's current tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (which tops out at 2,717 ft). The Kingdom Tower project is so large that it'll cost $30 billion to construct. To get to the top from the ground floor, an elevator ride would take an estimated 12 minutes to ascend.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375790/Saudi-Royal-family-plans-mile-high-building.html#ixzz1JR9XICpa

World's Tallest Hotel opens in Hong Kong

T-A-L-L hotel in a very T-A-L-L new skyscraper

The world's tallest hotel recently opened on Hong Kong's West Kowloon mainland. The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is located in the International Commerce Centre (ICC) building on floors 102 to 118. The building itself is the 4th tallest building in the world with 118 stories (1,588 ft) and the tallest building in towering Hong Kong.

The five-star hotel has 312 rooms ranging from 530 square feet to 3,920 square feet. With six restaurants, a spa and an indoor infinity pool overlooking Victoria Harbour, there is no reason to leave this tall aerie. The hotel's lobby is 425 m (1,394 ft) above the ground, becoming the highest hotel in the world surpassing that of the Park Hyatt in the Shanghai World Financial Center.

Herve Humler, president of luxury hotel chain said the building was a landmark hotel which was the culmination of many years of hard work. 'We have been able to create truly spectacular so we can welcome our guests not just to the tallest hotel in the world, but also to one of the very best hotels in the world,' he said. 'We are taking luxury to new heights in every sense.'

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong will likely lose the tallest hotel in the world distinction in 2014, when the J-Hotel opens near the top of the 2,073-foot Shanghai Tower.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371203/Worlds-tallest-hotel-opens-Hong-Kong.html#ixzz1I1Tsr3xy or http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1371247/Worlds-highest-hotel-Hong-Kongs-Ritz-Carlton-opens-doors.html

The ICC building can be seen in the distance in this partial photo of the Hong Kong skyline

ME WANT: ONE man's $1billion 27-story new home

This is the extravagant £630m ($1bn) home built by a billionaire Indian tycoon to house his family-of-four in Mumbai.

With 27 storeys, Antilia will be home to Mukesh Ambani and features a health club with a gym and dance studio, a ballroom, at least one swimming pool and a 50-seater cinema.

Towering above the Mumbai skyline, the 37,000sq ft property is 570ft high and also boasts three helipads on its roof, space for 160 vehicles on its lower floors and nine lifts.

He will employ 600 staff at the property and his family will live in the top floors, where they will enjoy views of the Arabian Sea.

Mr Ambani has surprised many by constructing Antilia - named after a mythical island - as he built his business reputation as a private individual who avoided the flamboyance of India's ultra-rich.

The vast building is constructed from glass, steel and tiles and also features a four-storey hanging garden which is designed to keep the interior cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.

According to Forbes magazine, Mr Ambani is worth £18billion. He is the richest man in India and the fourth richest in the world.

The interior of the property, on Altamount Road, has been designed by a U.S. firm and has been described as 'Asian contemporary'.

READ MORE

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1320426/Mukesh-Ambani-Indias-richest-man-builds-home-valued-630m.html#ixzz12NZJj9hL

NEW Leaning Tower in Abu Dabai

Not so fast, Pisa! UAE lays claim to world's furthest leaning tower

By the CNN Wire Staff

June 7, 2010 1:53 p.m. EDT

(CNN) -- Chalk another record to the United Arab Emirates' collection.

The Capital Gate building in the desert kingdom's capital, Abu Dhabi, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the "World's Furthest Leaning Man-made Tower."

How far does it lean? Nearly five times farther than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

The 35-story Abu Dhabi building has an 18-degree slope, compared with four degrees for the freestanding bell tower.

But unlike the tower in Pisa, the Capital Gate building has been deliberately engineered to slant.

Video: UAE tower gets Guinness record

The floor plates are stacked vertically up to the 12th floor, after which they are staggered over each other by between 300 mm to 1,400 mm -- giving the tower its lean, the owners said.

"It is a signature building which speaks to the foresight of the emirate," said Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon al Nahyan, the chairman of the building's owner, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

The mixed-use building will be ready for occupancy at the end of the year. It is featured in a new National Geographic documentary, called "Megastructures."

In January, Dubai -- one of seven emirates that make up the UAE -- unveiled the world's tallest skyscraper: the $1.5 billion, 160-story Burj Khalifa, which has a height of more than 800 meters (2,625 ft).