Architecture continues to climb sky-high as
modern cities expand into massive metropolises, making space come at a premium.
In fact, some believe that the modern skyscraper correlates with a city’s GDP,
making it a visual and architectural index of a city’s economic success.
At any rate,
skyscraper-studded cities and high-rise hotbeds give a cosmopolitan, urbane
flair to cities all around the world – plus, they make for some awesome
photography shots as well. If you want to find the best high-rise cities in the
world, here is our list of the best cities worth craning your neck for.
New York, USA
Of course, the Big Apple is number one on this list. The quintessential city and, in some ways, the unofficial capital of the world, New York City probably comes to mind first when you hear the words ‘high rise cities’, and there is a very good reason for that – or, to be more precise, 586 reasons for them. That’s right: New York is home to 586 skyscrapers, not to mention 5,924 high-rise buildings, and a crucial historic role in the development of skyscrapers themselves. Its famous Empire State, Rockefeller and Chrysler Building all set the standards of construction sky-high. If you want a city filled with buildings that stretch to the sky, you can’t go past NYC.
Hong Kong, China
The skyscraper capital of the world, Hong Kong is so high-rise it is practically vertical! Hong Kong’s 7800-plus buildings have a combined height of 333,836 metres, and it boasts the most skyscrapers in the world at a whopping 1,250 in total, plus four of the world’s fifteen tallest buildings, and a stunning metropolitan skyline believed by many to be the greatest on the planet. This leading international financial centre is considered the fifth most important city in the world economically, making it ideal for business, while its high standards of living and scenic Victoria Harbour and mountain surrounds add points on the liveability scale.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The buzzing metropolis of Dubai set the architecture stakes dizzyingly high in the Middle East since its first skyscraper was built in 1979, yet its high rise buildings boomed particularly after 2005. In Dubai, 17 high rise buildings exceed 300 metres in height, which is more than any other city in the world, including Hong Kong and New York City. Its centrepiece, the Burj Khalifa, is the tallest man-made structure in the entire world. With a booming economy and ongoing ‘skyward’ development, Dubai is definitely one to watch.
Sydney, Australia
Stunning Sydney has one of the world’s most iconic skylines, with the white sails of its Opera House and the distinctive shape of its Harbour Bridge. After Sydney’s 50-metre building height restrictions were lifted in the 1950s, construction of skyscrapers boomed in the city, culminating in a Central Business District or CBD with its fair share of high rise buildings. Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest and most famous of these, offering 360-degree panoramas of the city that conclusively prove its beauty. This city is also well-known for its stunning beaches, heritage buildings and great lifestyle on offer.
Author Bio:
Mika Haines is an architect student and entrepreneur from Sydney, Australia, whose passion for high rise real estate is assisted by keeping up to date with companies like TGC.