The construction of high-rise buildings is not just about surpassing altitudes; it also involves addressing design intricacies, promoting sustainability, and integrating cutting-edge technologies. These philosophies are upheld across bustling metropolises, historic cities, and other landscapes. We share more about the world’s five tallest buildings and explore how they adhered to these concepts with the help of Building Information Modeling (BIM), consultants and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC).
Learn more: How Consultants Promote Sustainability And Efficiency In The Building Industry
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
Height: 2,717 feet
The Burj Khalifa soars above the Dubai skyline at 163 floors. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), a Chicago-based architectural firm, the building resembles a vertical city that houses a mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, including luxurious apartments, corporate suites, and world-class restaurants. It integrates diverse functionalities within a single structure to maximise land use.
2. Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Height: 2,227 feet
The soon-to-be-completed Merdeka 118 is set to be the second-tallest building in the world. Boasting 118 floors, this Malaysian masterpiece was designed by Australian architect Fender Katsalidis in collaboration with local firm RSP Architects Sdn Bhd. The name “Merdeka,” which means “independence” in Malay, draws inspiration from its proximity to Stadium Merdeka. This connection to the country’s history also reflects its journey in a meaningful way.
3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China
Height: 2,073 feet
Situated in the vibrant city of Shanghai, China, the Shanghai Tower proudly stands as the third tallest building globally. This remarkable structure, which was completed in 2015, showcases the expertise of the American architectural firm, Gensler. The building features one of the world’s fastest elevators, the Nexway lift, travelling at a speed of 20.5 metres per second.
4. Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Height: 1,972 feet
Designed by Lebanese architectural firm Dar Al-Handasah, the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower seamlessly blends traditional Islamic architecture and contemporary design principles. The building’s clock face is one of its most distinctive features, boasting an impressive circumference of 43 metres. The tower doesn’t just symbolise Mecca’s central role in the Islamic world, it’s clock face is also the largest globally.
5. Ping An Finance Centre, Shenzhen, China
Height: 1,966 feet
Renowned as the tallest building in Shenzhen and the second tallest in China, the Ping An Finance Centre was jointly brought to life by New York-based firms, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) and Thornton Tomasetti. The tower incorporates smart building technologies, including climate control systems, energy-efficient lighting, and digital infrastructure, which boost sustainability and operational efficiency.
The Roles of BIM and VDC
The successful development of these architectural giants hinges on cutting-edge technologies like BIM and VDC. Here’s how they empower project managers, construction teams, and architects, to navigate the complexities of the designing, planning, and construction processes of these buildings:
Source: Theagilityeffect
1. Precise Coordination
BIM helps architects to create a detailed and comprehensive three-dimensional digital representation of the entire building. This model encompasses architectural elements, mechanical and electrical systems, and other aspects of the structure, allowing stakeholders to collaborate on the project on a unified platform. VDC takes the digital representation further by simulating the step-by-step execution of the construction plan. As such, project teams are able to identify potential construction issues and proactively address them before they arise physically.
2. Efficient Resource Management
Every project has its own specific resource needs, and BIM proves essential in this area by optimising the allocation of manpower, materials, and equipment, preventing unnecessary stockpiles and over-purchasing during the entire construction process. VDC, on the other hand, offers clash detection capabilities, enabling project teams to forecast conflicts in the virtual realm before they translate into real challenges. This may eliminate the need for corrective actions due to mishaps, effectively minimising material wastage.
Established in 2010, BIMAGE Consulting is a leading BIM consultant in Singapore. We are commited to offering excellence through sophisticated tools like Autodesk AutoCAD, VDC and BIM.
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