Among the faceless, standard city "boxes," skyscrapers with unique architecture delight and captivate the imagination of both locals and tourists. In addition to their impressive facade effects, these skyscrapers employ the most modern engineering solutions and set new construction standards. Extraordinary structures often become symbolic for their countries and cities, serving as ornaments to their surroundings. This blog presents an overview of a number of outstanding buildings constructed in different corners of the world.
Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong
The Bank of China Tower skyscraper is located in the heart of Hong Kong's business district and is easily recognizable on the skyline. The 367-meter-high building was designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, and the developer was the Japanese corporation Kumagai Gumi. Upon its completion in 1990, the 72-story tower became the first in the world to have a composite spatial frame and the tallest building outside the United States. The glass-paneled Bank of China Tower remains one of the most impressive and beautiful skyscrapers in the world to this day.
The characteristic external silhouette was inspired by the elegant shape of bamboo, symbolizing growth and prosperity. On a sunny day, the tower resembles a shining crystal. After its completion, it was criticized by some feng shui practitioners for its sharp angles and negative symbolism. The top four floors and the lower 19 floors are used by the bank, while the rest are rented out. On the 43rd floor, there is an accessible observation deck with breathtaking views of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbor. The Bank of China Tower has won numerous international architectural awards, including "Ten Best Architectural Achievements of Hong Kong."
Bank of China Tower on the map
Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama
The two 50-story towers of the Bahrain World Trade Center are located in the tourist center of Manama, the capital of this small state in the Persian Gulf region. The building is a model of architectural style and engineering: for the first time in urban planning history, three large-scale wind turbines were installed on special pylons connecting the towers. It is worth noting that the project, led by the British construction and engineering company Atkins, was tasked with creating an environmentally friendly building with maximum use of renewable energy.
The exhausting heat, high humidity, and saltwater of Bahrain required the structure and more than 200 devices lighting the tower facades to be resistant to these harsh conditions. As a result, the familiar local lighting of the 240-meter-tall building has become a true adornment of the city. The World Trade Center houses the Bahrain National Theater and the Bahrain National Museum. Additionally, it features over 150 exclusive boutiques, a beauty salon, the 5-star Sheraton hotel, and a range of restaurants offering dishes from various countries.
The Bahrain World Trade Center is the first major building in which wind energy is used to meet its own needs. The project is also intended to demonstrate to the world that the oil-producing countries of the Persian Gulf are capable of harnessing wind energy.
Bahrain World Trade Center on the map
Transamerica Pyramid Center, San Francisco
The 48-story Transamerica Pyramid skyscraper has become not only one of the symbols of San Francisco but also an embodiment of America as a whole. Additionally, it ranks among the tallest buildings on the U.S. Pacific coastline. The center is named after the Transamerica Corporation, whose headquarters was once located here.
Designed by structural engineer William Pereira, this office building, standing 260 meters tall, features an original design resembling a tall four-sided pyramid with two "wings" to house the elevator shafts.
Construction made extensive use of concrete, glass, steel, aluminum, and quartz. The pyramid’s top is covered in aluminum panels, and during holidays, a bright beacon called the "Crown Jewel" lights up at its peak. The center offers restaurants, conference rooms, a fitness center, and a sky bar on the top floor for its employees.
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, free access for visitors to the building, like many other skyscrapers in the U.S., was restricted. The Transamerica Pyramid has appeared in films and video games related to the second city of California. Following its 2019 renovation, the building received a LEED Platinum certificate for its environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
Transamerica Pyramid on the map
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
The world-famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, located on an artificial island in the Arabian Gulf, serves as one of the symbols of the United Arab Emirates. The 56-story building, standing 320 meters tall, is designed in the shape of a sail filled with wind, which is how it got its common name. The bold project was developed by British architect Tom Wright, who often quoted the client’s words: "The hotel building must become a symbol of the city, like the Eiffel Tower for Paris."
The construction utilized the most modern materials and technologies, and the interior decoration included over 8,000 m² of gold leaf and numerous precious stones. To protect the skyscraper from strong winds and seismic effects, a V-shaped structural framework was built around it. Officially, the "Burj Al Arab" is classified as a 5-star hotel, but both the owners and staff refer to it as a seven-star hotel.
The hotel features only two-story suites, ranging from 170 to 780 m², with panoramic windows offering stunning views of the city and the Gulf. A courteous butler is available on every floor 24/7. Additionally, the hotel offers:
- 9 restaurants and bars
- A private beach, 5 swimming pools, and a spa center
- A business center and banquet hall
- A beauty salon, sauna, and hammam
- A shopping center and a kids' club
- Limousine rentals and a helicopter landing pad
The welcoming and professional staff communicates in 9 languages. Burj Al Arab, repeatedly recognized as the best hotel in the world, guarantees luxurious living conditions combined with unmatched personal service.
Limassol Del Mar, Limassol
The luxurious residential complex Limassol Del Mar is located along the seafront of coastal Limassol. The façade of the two buildings, with a maximum height of 107 meters, stretches along the shore for more than 170 meters. The design of the project was developed by the international firm Benoy, and the developers are the well-known Cypriot companies Zavos Group and Leptos Estates. The complex, with its extraordinary curved façades and cascading slopes, represents a new bright star in the island's architecture.
The apartments feature classic modern design with a palette of soft hues, Italian furniture, and the most advanced home appliances. From the spacious wave-like terraces, residents enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Available to investors:
- Exclusive boutiques and fine restaurants
- A gym and spa center
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Landscaped park and children's playground
- Personal concierge services and underground parking
Limassol Del Mar has set new standards for residential building construction in Cyprus. It has won the prestigious European Property Award and was named "Best High-Rise Residential Project in Cyprus."
Available rental and sale options in the project.
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