Evan Joseph, Erial Dusk, 2015. Location: New York. by Evan JosephTime Space Existence - Biennale Architettura 2016
Back in the late 19th century, if a building had 10 floors, it was considered a skyscraper. The world's first skyscraper was the ten-story Home Insurance Building in Chicago built in 1884-1885. At 42m high it towered over the city's residents but, nowadays would be overshadowed (literally) by the next generation of giants.
By Andreas FeiningerLIFE Photo Collection
With advancements in construction technology and the development of steel frames, buildings shot up and the definition of a sky scraper shifted to encompass anything above 100m. The world's tallest sky scraper, the Burj Khalifa, is over 8 times this.
Get up to dizzying heights by exploring the view from some of these modern giants, with Street View.
Tap to explore
Burj Khalifa, Dubai: 828m tall
Here we are, quite literally on top of the world. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on the planet. There's no better view on earth!
Tap to explore
Taipei 101, Taiwan: 509m tall
Tapei 101 was the tallest building in the world until the Bhurj Khalifa topped it. You can reach these dizzying heights at equally dizzying speeds in elevators which travel at 38 miles per hour!
Tap to explore
Wilis Tower, Chicago: 527m tall
Don't look down! Or do, if you can stomach it. The bird's-eye view of Chicago from the skydeck of Wilis Tower is a sight to behold.
Tap to explore
The Shard, London: 306m tall
Looking out from the top of Renzo Piano's iconic design is just as inspiring as looking at the building itself. Europe's tallest skyscraper offers views of London's seemingly endless urban sprawl.
Tap to explore
Lotte World Tower, Seoul: 554.5m tall
The first 100-story building in Korea, the Lotte World Tower scaled new heights for the nation. Enjoy the Seoul-ful view.
Tap to explore
International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong: 484m tall
The tallest building in Hong Kong overlooks the vast Victoria Harbour.
Tap to explore
One World Trade, New York: 541m tall
The Empire State Building is steeped in history, but it's no longer New York's tallest skyscraper! That honor now rests with One World Trade, from the top of which you can look out over the Hudson to see the whole of Brooklyn and beyond.
Tap to explore
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumper: 452m tall
The Petronas Towers have an iconic silhouette thanks to the bridge between them at the 41st and 42nd floors. In 1999 Felix Baumgartner set a basejumping record by leaping from a window-cleaning crane near the top of the towers!
