Skyscraper

The word skyscraper was originally a nickname for a tall mast on a sailing ship. Today the word is used exclusively to refer to a tall habitable building, usually higher than 152 metres (500 feet). Skyscrapers are also sometimes referred to as a highrise, generally the word highrise is used when referring to a skyscraper which is primarily used as residential building.

Until the 19th century, buildings of over six stories were rare. It was impractical to have people walk up so many flights of stairs. Also, water pressure could only provide running water to about 50 feet (15 m).

The development steel, reinforced concrete, and water pumps have made possible the construction of extremely tall buildings, some of which are over 300 metres tall. The other development essential to practical skyscraper development was the invention of the elevator.

The skyscraper first emerged in the land strapped areas of New York City and Chicago toward the end of the 19th century. William Le Baron Jenney designed the first skyscraper in Chicago, The Home Insurance Building. The ten story structure was constructed in 1884-1885 and was destroyed in 1931 for the Field's building.

The weight bearing components of skyscrapers also differ substantially from other buildings. Buildings of about 4 stories are supported by their walls where skyscrapers are larger buildings that must be supported by a skeletal frame. The walls then hang off this frame like curtains. Special consideration must then be given for buildings that are over 40 stories tall because of the force wind puts on the structure.

See world's tallest structures for a discussion of the tallest skyscrapers and other man-made structures, as defining the "world's tallest..." depends greatly on matters of definition.

Top 50 Skyscrapers by structural/architectural height

Adapted from [1] , and ranks high rises by the highest architectural detail, and does not include the height of structual components that may look like a spire, but are not classified as such. This sort of ranking allows buildings that look smaller to be higher in rank if one buildings spire is a large antenna whereas on other is its a architectural detail. This results in such controversial rankings such as the Petronas Towers being ranked higher then the Sears Tower despite despite haveing a much lower highest point and occupiable floor. Also, the list does not include free-standing buildings that are not classified as high rises, such as the CN Tower, TV masts, bridges, or oil platforms. Updated to 2004 and destroyed buildings not included, notably the World Trade Center which would be in the top 10. (Note: Height is heighest architectural detail and may not be highest point on building)

For a much longer listing go to List of skyscrapers

History of tallest skyscraper

Disputed Claims:

• CN Tower (see also List of towers)
• Petronas Towers (only held one height category)

Top 15 by pinnacle

Top 15 by the highest point on the building. (Taipei 101 not added yet)

Comparison of top modern skyscrapers

(to scale)

See also

External links

• http://www.skyscrapers.com
• http://www.skyscrapercity.com
• http://www.skyscraperpage.com
• http://www.brazilskyscrapers.hpg.com.br
• http://www.bionictower-bvs.com/ (1228m Shanghai tower project)
• http://www.skyscraper.org
• http://www.geocities.com/birmingham_highrise/
• http://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/article/0,12543,420169-1,00.html