By Andreas FeiningerLIFE Photo Collection
The history of human architecture has often been one of reaching towards the sky. Scroll on to see if you can guess where the following iconic skyscrapers are located...
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1. The Burj Khalifa
The tallest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa stands at an incredible height of 829.8m. Inaugurated in 2010, the tower contains over 160 stories and holds a number of records including: highest outdoor observation deck, tallest service elevator, and highest occupied floor in the world.
A sunset view of Dubai Design District (2016)Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
Answer: Dubai
The most iconic building on Dubai’s skyline, the Burj Khalifa is a symbol of the UAE around the world. Designed by the same team behind One World Trade Center and the Willis Tower, it was inspired by traditional Islamic architecture and modified to cope in the blazing heat of the Dubai summer.
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2. The Bank of China Tower
Designed by Chinese-American architect I.M Pei, the Bank of China Tower was completed in 1985. Occupying a prime position, the tower has a distinctive angular silhouette and triangular framework. Do you know which city skyline this tower belongs to?
Argyle Street / Nathan Road (c.1960)West Kowloon Cultural District
Answer: Hong Kong
One of the most recognisable skyscrapers in Hong Kong, the Bank of China Tower is located at 1 Garden Road on Hong Kong Island. The tower was the first supertall skyscraper outside of the US and, between 1988 and 1992, it was the tallest building in Asia.
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3. The Shard
If you’re a fan of architecture, you’re probably already well aware of the location of this 21st century tower. Completed in 2012, the 72-storey skyscraper stands 309m high and was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Have a look around to see if you can work out where this tower stands.
London Bridge - Illuminated River (2019-07-06/2019-07-06) by James NewtonIlluminated River
Answer: London
Located on the south side of the Thames, almost on top of London Bridge Station, The Shard is one of the newest and most prominent additions to the London skyline. An instant landmark, inside, you’ll find an observation deck, a choice of restaurants and a 5-star hotel.
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4. The Willis Tower
Known as the Sears Tower until 2009, the Willis Tower stands 102-stories and 442.1m high. Built in 1974, it’s one of the oldest skyscrapers on our list, adorning its city’s skyline for almost half a century. The building is so tall that visitors to its 103rd floor Skydeck can feel the structure swaying in the wind. So where is this lofty building located?
Willis Tower (1974) by Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill (SOM) | Bruce GrahamUniversitat Pompeu Fabra. UPF Art Track
Answer: Chicago
Thanks to its titanic height and distinctive dark outline, the Willis Tower is one of the best-known landmarks in Chicago. Every year, around 1.7 million people visit the tower’s Skydeck, making it the most popular attraction in the Windy City.
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5: Turning Torso
Regarded as the first twisted skyscraper in the world, the Turning Torso was officially opened in 2005. Although just 190m, or 54 stories high, the tower’s innovative design has placed it firmly on the world architecture map. Do you know where this twisting tower is located?
Answer: Malmö
Located in Malmö, Sweden, the Turning Torso is the tallest building in Scandinavia. The tower’s design is based on a sculpture by Calatrava called the Twisting Torso. Built to help give the city a distinctive skyline, the tower was designed to stand out from the crowd.
Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 10 crew (2005-04-01)NASA
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