The World's 25 Tallest Buildings

The craziest vertical architecture.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Back at the end of the 19th century, the skyscraper was born in Chicago. Thanks to new engineering methods—particularly the idea of building steel cages that solved issues of "load bearing capacity"—architects could think to the skies. Designers want to go big, then bigger, then even taller. The race for the tallest building, once just an unspoken battle between Chicago and New York, hasn't stopped since.

The skyscraper may be an American invention, but the allure holds across the world. As economies develop, and new powers emerge, the skyscraper remains a global symbol of success. And, as fresh success is discovered, the desire to tower above all others remains. New "tallest buildings" arrive so quickly that you wouldn't be faulted for believing the John Hancock Building in the Windy City still holds the title.

Well, times have changed. We're here to get you up to speed…err, into the clouds.

The World's 25 Tallest Buildings

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Mercury City

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Tuntex Sky Tower

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Bank of China Tower

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Central Plaza

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Emirates Park Tower Hotel & Spa

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Elite Residence

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Empire State Building

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Shun Hing Square

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CITIC Plaza

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23 Marina

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International Finance Centre

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Al Hamra Firdous Tower

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Princess Tower

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Jin Mao Tower

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Trump International Hotel and Tower

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Guangzhou International Finance Center

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KingKey 100

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Willis Tower

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Zifeng Tower

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Petronas Towers

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International Commerce Centre

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Shanghai World Financial Center

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Taipei 101

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Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel

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Burj Khalifa

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