The World's Most Astounding Skyscrapers

By All That's Interesting | Edited By Savannah Cox

Published November 9, 2012

Updated January 8, 2018

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)

Source: Zeo Spot

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.

Source: Deviantart

Aqua Skyscraper (Chicago)

Source: Sustainable 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.

Source: Tumblr

author

Established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together a dedicated staff of digital publishing veterans and subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science. From the lesser-known byways of human history to the uncharted corners of the world, we seek out stories that bring our past, present, and future to life. Privately-owned since its founding, All That's Interesting maintains a commitment to unbiased reporting while taking great care in fact-checking and research to ensure that we meet the highest standards of accuracy.

editor

Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.