World Skyscraper Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, Fun Facts, and the 5 Tallest Buildings

World Skyscraper Day, celebrated every year on September 3, is a tribute to the breathtaking structures that have transformed the cities. These structures are testaments to human creativity, engineering prowess and an unwavering drive to reach for the skies. Let’s take a look at its history, significance and some interesting facts.

World Skyscraper Day History

The World Skyscraper Day has its roots in the history of modern skyscrapers. The date was decided to commemorate the birthday of Louis H. Sullivan, an American architect also known as the Father of Skyscrapers. His work includes stunning designs and layouts. He designed some of America’s most iconic structures, including the Wainwright Building, Union Trust Building and Prudential Building.

Significance: Today, structures at least 150 meters or 465 feet tall are referred to as skyscrapers, symbolizing wealth and stature. The day holds an important significance, especially in the US, as it commemorates the engineering marvels that the world witnesses today. Earlier, the United States enjoyed the world’s monopoly on skyscrapers, accounting for nearly all of the tallest structures.

World Skyscraper Day: Interesting Facts

1. In the early 20th century, a 10-20-story building would be considered a skyscraper.
2. The Home Insurance Building in Chicago, built in 1885 was the world’s first ever Skyscraper which stood only 138 meters.
3. Today, China stands as the only country to have more than 3,000 skyscrapers, with around 120 buildings with a height of more than 300 meters.
4. The US stands second on this list, with a total of approx. 900 skyscrapers. Out of which 31 are more than 300 meters.
5. India comes on number 12 with 122 skyscrapers.
6. The LIC Building in Chennai, completed in 1959, marked the beginning of the skyscraper era in India.
7. Currently, the Palais Royale in Mumbai, with a height of 320 meters is the tallest under-construction skyscraper.
8. Burj Khalifa currently holds the title of the world’s tallest building, with a height of 830 meters.
9. The upcoming Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia will clinch the title of the World’s tallest building upon its completion. It is said to be 1 kilometre tall (3,281 feet).

World’s Tallest Skyscrapers

1. Burj KhalifaThe iconic Burj Khalifa holds the World’s tallest building title since its inauguration in 2010. It is 830 meters tall and consists of 163 floors. It also holds the title of the Tallest free-standing structure in the world.
2. Merdeka 118Next on the list is the Merdeka 118 building in Kuala Lumpur with a height of approx. 679 meters.
3. Shanghai TowerSituated in Shanghai, China, the 128-storey building is 629 meters and is the world’s third tallest building.
4. Makkah Royal Clock TowerLocated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia this skyscraper is around 601 meters tall with 120 floors and seven hotels.
5. Ping An International Finance CentreThe centre, located in Shenzhen, China, is the world’s fifth tallest building standing at a height of 599 meters. The building has 116 floors.

Have you ever visited any of these skyscrapers?