Skyscrapers

RMJM, which designed Europe's tallest skyscraper, the Lakhta Center, was recently chosen to create an unusual project in China. The Xiangjiang Gate will rise to a maximum height of 177 m (580 ft) and consist of two twisting towers that join together.

Each year, the CTBUH conducts a review of tall building trends. 2019 turns out to be an excellent year for fans of very tall buildings, with the most ever supertall skyscrapers – that is, buildings over 300 m (984 ft) in height – completed.

BIG has unveiled a plan to redesign a stretch of New York City waterfront in collaboration with James Corner Field Operations. The River Street Waterfront Masterplan is centered around two new skyscrapers, a circular pathway, and lots of park space.

2019 has been a bumper year for architecture and we've reported on many superb projects ranging in size, budget, and style. From a horizontal skyscraper to a power station with a ski slope, here's our selection of the best buildings of the year.

Work was recently completed on a US$165 million renovation of New York City's Empire State Building. The iconic skyscraper now offers a revamped Observatory Experience, including a glass-walled observation point on its uppermost floor.

Designed by Zaha Hadid before her death, the much-anticipated Leeza Soho has finally opened. The skyscraper rises to a height of 207 m (679 ft) and boasts a stunning atrium that's the tallest in the world, as well as significant green design.

Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture recently unveiled its design for a new supertall skyscraper for Nanjing, China. It will feature an eye-catching sculpted form that will mitigate the effects of the wind.

Visitors to the Wesleyan House Methodist International Church will now be able to get closer to the heavens thanks to a "skyscraper church" by Rocco Design Architects. The building rises to a height of 95.8 m (311 ft) in Hong Kong.

Glass-clad skyscrapers need to be inspected on a regular basis, in order to ensure that the glass panes are securely attached and undamaged. Doing so might soon become much quicker and safer, with a little help from a special drone.

Macau, China's MGM Cotai has won information specialist Emporis' annual Skyscraper Award. The unusual US$3.4 billion building rises to a height of 495 ft (150 m) and contains a casino and hotel.

Work is nearing completion on a remarkably tall and slender skyscraper in NYC. Named 111 West 57th Street, the building offers luxury homes overlooking Central Park for the ultra rich and a display of engineering excellence for the rest of us.

Foster + Partners recently completed work on a new supertall skyscraper in Philadelphia. Named the Comcast Technology Center, the building rises to a height of 341 m (1,118 ft) and it features some notable sustainable design elements.