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| Jeddah Tower (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: 3,281 feet, estimated completion 2020) |
This skyscraper is likely will become the first to break
the one kilometer mark, not merely because it's already under
construction and supported by the deep pockets of billionaire Saudi
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, but because it was designed by
Adrian Smith.
An architect whose career highlights include the
Hancock Center and
Burj Khalifa,
Smith designed the Jeddah Tower to be the next iteration of the Burj, a
shard of steel and glass that, in its triangular shape, recalls a palm
about to spread its fronds.
 |
| Wuhan Greenland Center (Wuhan, China: 2,087 feet, estimated completion 2018) |
Another project being overseen by the firm of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
Architecture, this in-the-works tower in central China offers a unique,
curved profile, a tripod shape that tapers and forms a dome to reduce
wind resistance. The entire structure, from the grand lobbies to the
corners fashioned in curved glass, present a fluid profile, reducing the
building's material footprint. To add an additional air of exclusivity,
the summit of this multi-use super tall will include a private member's
club.
 |
| Merdeka PNB118 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 2,067 feet, estimated completion 2020) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property developers are hoping this crystalline tower becomes as much of
a catalyst for the city as César Pelli's Petronas Towers, still the
tallest twin structures in the world. This is a massive project for
Australian firm Fender Katsalidis Architects, which has been attached to
a series of tall towers in Melbourne.
 |
| Ping An Finance Center (Shenzhen, China: 1,965 feet, estimated completion 2017) |
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, this huge
stone-and-glass tower was being assembled at the prodigious rate of a
floor every four days during peak construction periods. Initially
expected to be completed in 2016, the topped out tower has been delayed
until this year.
 |
Goldin Finance 117 (Tianjin, China: 1,957 feet: estimated completion 2018)
|
Set to be the country's third tallest when finished and an example of the
relentless pace of skyscraper development in China, this tower utilizes
unique foundations and structural engineering, including especially
slender pilings one meter in diameter that are dug 100 meters into the
ground. Also called the Walking Stick, the building is capped by a
diamond-shaped observation deck.
 |
| Baoneng Shenyang Global Financial Center (Shenyeng, China: 1,864 feet, estimated completion 2018) |
Nicknamed the Pearl of the North, the 111-story, mixed-use skyscraper
will feature a circular inset towards the apex as well as a luxury auto
showroom towards the top floor and a smaller sister tower, both designed
by Atkins.
 |
| Lotte World Tower (Seoul, South Korea: 1,819, estimated completion 2017) |
Despite a rocky construction process that's seen a string of accidents
galvanize the Korean media, this Seoul landmark is still on course to
finish next fall. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the building, a cone of
pale-colored glass, is supported by a grid of steel and concrete core.
 |
Tianjin CTF Finance Centre (Tianjin, China: 1,739 feet, estimated completion 2018)
|
As if to underscore the rate at which China is building supertalls, this
is the second project for the city of Tianjin on this list. Designed by
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to meet LEED Gold standards, this gently
sloping tower features a crystallized facade that accentuates the
curves of the building’s frame.
 |
China Zun Tower (Beijing, China: 1,732 feet, estimated completion 2018)
|
Modeled after a ceremonial “zun” vessel, a bronze or ceramic design
meant to hold wine, this gently curving tower will soon rise over the
new extension of Beijing’s central business district. Designed by the
international architecture firm Farrells, with engineering help by Arup,
the unique, concave tower, split between office space, private club and
an observation deck, provides additional high-rent space on the top
floors and a dramatic lobby entrance on the ground floor. In addition to
claiming the title of China’s tallest building, the Zun will also be
the tallest structure in a high seismic zone when its finished, relying
on steel-concrete composite braces
 |
Skyfame Center Landmark Tower (Nanning, China: 1,732 feet, estimated completion 2021)
|
Also known as the Tianyu Tower, this 108-story project hasn’t released
many official details, despite being on the CTBUH list. Some commenters
on an older Skyscraper City discussion page where this photo was sourced
have noted the building is named after the developer.
