20. 432 Park Avenue

20. 432 Park Avenue
THE WORLD IN HDR/SHUTTERSTOCK

In New York City, space is scarce, so it’s better to go up, not out. The design of the tall and thin rectangle at 432 Park Avenue, completed in 2015, reflects this upward mobility, as well as its prime location overlooking Central Park. Comprised of luxury residential apartments whose former inhabitants include Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, the 425.80-metre, 85-floor building fits into its tony neighbourhood even as it towers above it. Unfortunately, the view from the top is not open to the public.

 

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21. Marina 101

21. Marina 101
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The art-deco topper of this Dubai skyscraper, completed in 2017, brings the Empire State Building to mind. Located in the yacht-filled Dubai Marina, this 424.89-metre, 101-floor residential building, which also contains the Middle East’s first Hard Rock Hotel, is right at home among the restaurants, beaches, and shops of the area. The hotel’s club and restaurant are set to occupy the top floors.

 

22. Trump International Hotel and Tower

22. Trump International Hotel and Tower
ALIN LYRE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Built along the Chicago River in the centre of downtown at the site of the Chicago Sun-Times building, this hotel and residential skyscraper stands at 423.36 metres and 98 floors. Also encompassing lifestyle amenities including restaurants and a spa, the tower incorporates green space at its base with a park, lily pond, and river walk. In addition, shops line the promenade. Visitors can take in the lovely view from the outdoor restaurant Terrace 16.

Check out these 14 crazy (but totally real!) requests from VIP hotel guests.

23. Jin Mao Tower

23. Jin Mao Tower
ATIGER/SHUTTERSTOCK

The third in the trio of Shanghai’s tallest skyscrapers is also the oldest. The Jin Mao Tower, completed in 1999, was the tallest building in the city until 2008 when the Shanghai World Financial Center came on the scene. The 420.62-metre, 88-floor tower houses shopping and entertainment on its lower levels, with offices on higher floors capped off by the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. The 88th-floor observation deck includes the Skywalk, where visitors in harnesses can actually sit on and walk along the outdoor glass ledge of the building, and even hang over it – no railings. Tickets for the observation deck are about $17; the Skywalk is about $56.

24. Princess Tower

24. Princess Tower
PAVEL L PHOTO AND VIDEO/SHUTTERSTOCK

When it was completed in 2012, Dubai Marina’s Princess Tower was the tallest all-residential building in the world at 413.91 metres and 101 floors (the honour currently goes to 432 Park Avenue). This princess wears a crown, literally: at the top of the building, decorative “teeth” ring a striped dome topped by a spire. Located just across the street from Marina 101, the two skyscrapers share the prime location for retail, eateries, and entertainment. The top floor isn’t open to the public; but if you’re lucky enough to be invited to a meeting or soirée in the event space there, you can take in the awesome view of the coastline.

25. Al Hamra Tower

25. Al Hamra Tower
PHILIP LANGE/SHUTTERSTOCK

The spiralling design of the awesome Al Hamra Tower gives the appearance of movement to this 412.69-metres, 80-floor skyscraper in Kuwait City, Kuwait. The curvature isn’t just for looks: It also helps to reduce solar heating. Located in the city’s commercial district, the building, completed in 2011, features lower floors comprised of retail, dining, and entertainment, with the rest of the tower used as office space.

Next, check out these gorgeous photos of the world’s grandest staircases.

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Source: rd.com

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