Sky-High Quiz
"How high can we build?" This question has driven creators and engineers to push boundaries. Now it's time to see how well you know these magnificent structures that dominate skylines.
Desert Marvel
Which tower has a design inspired by a desert flower and contains the world's first Armani Hotel?
The Answer
Burj Khalifa. Standing at 2,717 feet (828 meters) in Dubai, UAE, this architectural wonder contains 163 floors and was designed by Adrian Smith. Its construction used enough concrete to equal the weight of 100,000 elephants.
Eastern Economic Symbol
Before being surpassed in 2009, this Asian skyscraper held the "world's tallest" title.
The Answer
Taipei 101. It is located in Taiwan and can withstand typhoon winds and earthquakes thanks to its 728-ton steel pendulum. This pendulum is visible to visitors between the 87th and 92nd floors.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Wikimedia Commons
Banking Behemoth
Has an umbrella-like crown structure illuminated with thousands of LED lights.
The Answer
Shanghai Tower. Twisting 128 stories to 2,073 feet (632 meters), this sustainable building features a double-glass facade creating nine vertical zones. Its 106 elevators travel about 67 feet per second.
Stefan Fussan, Wikimedia Commons
Royal Timekeeper
A Saudi Arabian skyscraper displaying colossal clock faces.
The Answer
Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower. The monument was completed in 2012. It is the fourth tallest building worldwide, reaching a height of 601 meters (1,972 feet), including its spire.
Manhattan Marvel
This masterpiece was built during the Great Depression in just 410 days.
Dorothea Lange, Wikimedia Commons
The Answer
Empire State Building. Originally designed with a mooring mast for airships, the building survived a 1945 plane crash into its 79th floor. The same was designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates.
Twin Towers Legacy
Sands are on the site of the fallen World Trade Center, which incorporates 40,000 tons of recycled steel.
The Answer
One World Trade Center. At a whopping 1,776 feet (541 meters) tall, its observation deck offers 360° views from 1,250 feet. The building's prismatic glass exterior reflects changing light conditions throughout the day.
Joe Mabel (on Flickr as Joe Mabel from Seattle, US), Wikimedia Commons
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Height
Its name translates to "Golden Prosperity," reflecting its cultural importance.
The Answer
Jin Mao Tower. This structure has 88 stories above ground and three below ground. It was completed in 1999 and features a tiered design that resembles traditional Chinese pagodas with a square base.
Twisted Tower
Consists of nine sections of pentagons, each five stories high, that twist as they ascend.
The Answer
Turning Torso. Apparently, the layout was inspired by Calatrava's sculpture "Twisting Torso," which represents the twisting form of a human body. The highest segment rotates 90 degrees clockwise from the base segment.
Petronas Pride
Which twin skyscrapers are connected by a sky bridge on the 41st and 42nd floors?
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
The Answer
Petronas Towers. These buildings are about 1,483 feet tall, found in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They are made up of 88 stories of stainless steel and glass, with their base comprised of soft bedrock.
Luke Watson (Lukeaw), Wikimedia Commons
Russian Giant
Construction of this building began in 2005. It is Situated in the Moscow International Business Center, Russia.
The Answer
Federation Tower. Rising 1,227 feet (374 meters), this complex possesses two towers built on a common podium. Its facade uses special glass that changes color depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Lotus Skyscraper
The tallest building in Guangzhou, the third tallest in China, and the eighth tallest in the world.
kevinmcgill from Den Bosch, Netherlands, Wikimedia Commons
The Answer
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre. This one is also called the Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre or East Tower. It houses various functions such as offices, apartments, a hotel, and a shopping mall.
Silent Guardian
Its facade is made of pale-colored glass inspired by traditional Korean ceramics.
The Answer
Lotte World Tower. Did you know this 123-floor building can withstand magnitude nine earthquakes? The tower’s glass-bottomed observation deck overlooks South Korea's capital from the 118th floor.
