The World’s Most Astounding Skyscrapers: Robot Building (Bangkok)
Built to reflect the increasing computerization of banking, architect Sumet Jumsai created this unique design for the Bank of Asia in 1986. The two antennas of the head of the robot serve as lightning rods and communication equipment.
O-14 (Dubai)
Despite being 102 m (335 ft) tall and comprising 23 floors, the O-14 building in Dubai has very few structural columns thanks to the 40 cm thick fluid concrete facade that also acts as a ventilation system by allowing warm air to rise and cool air to come in from below.
Aqua Skyscraper (Chicago)
Inspired by striated limestone, Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects designed this 86 story, mixed use skyscraper in Chicago.
Reaching 859 ft (262 m), it is currently the tallest building in the world whose lead architect was a woman. It is also a very bird-friendly building; the complex’s exterior structure helps them avoid crashing into windows.
Infinity Tower (Dubai)
Still currently under construction (although now with all 76 floors completed), work on the Infinity Tower began in February 2006, but suffered delays after the site was flooded. At 330 m (1,080 ft) it is much taller that the Turning Torso in Sweden, which also has a 90-degree twist.
ADNEC’s Capital Gate (Abu Dhabi)
Adnec’s 160m (520 ft) and 35 story tall Capital Gate not only holds the record of “World’s furthest leaning man-made tower”, but is also the first building in the Middle East to use a custom designed diagrid. Because of its 18-degree incline, the steel and concrete reinforced core was built off-center and is secured to the foundations by 490 piles buried 0–30 meters (65-100 ft) underground.
