Saudi development group Jeddah Economic Company recently secured SAR8.4 billion (US$2.2 billion) additional funding to complete the Jeddah Tower. Under construction since 2013, the massive mixed-use skyscraper is on track to become the tallest building in the world.
Formerly known as both the Kingdom Tower and Mile-High Tower (the latter dropped once its height was reduced due to concerns the ground couldn't support it), Jeddah Tower is set to be the first member of the kilometer-high club and will rise some 1,007 m (3,303 ft) over the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.
Its projected size is hard to get your head around. It will be over three times the height of the Eiffel Tower, over twice the height Empire State Building, and dwarf even the Burj Khalifa – the world's current tallest tower, which is 828 m (2,716 ft). Interestingly, both skyscrapers are the brainchild of the same American architect, Adrian Smith (the former for SOM, the latter for Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill).
Of course, the proposed Bride would be even taller still, but since there's no immediate plans to build it, Jeddah Tower's status as world's tallest building looks assured for a while. For an informative rundown of the current and future state of skyscrapers, check out our video.
Rising over the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, the tower requires 59 elevators, will include some 5.7 million sq ft (530,000 sq m) of floorspace, and will boast the world's highest observatory, a Four Seasons luxury hotel, office space, and many plush apartments.
Its triangular form, which is inspired by the folded leaves of a desert plant, is designed to withstand the strongest winds. In addition, its three sides sport notches that create pockets of shadow to shield areas of the building from the sun.
Jeddah Tower is expected to open by 2020.
Sources: AS+GG, Kingdom Holding Company
