World's tallest buildings - includes a chart of tall structures from the Great Pyramid to Shanghai, China's in-progress World Financial Center: includes how to build a model skyscraper

Science World, Oct 4, 1996 by Emily Costello

Engineers will take another step toward those heights this year when workers begin digging the foundation of a new skyscraper: the World Financial Center in Shanghai, China, which is set to open in 2001. With a planned height of 460 meters (1,509 feet), that building will soon become the world's tallest--at least for a while!

RELATED ARTICLE: TALL, TALLER, TALLEST?

See how buildings have grown over time.

2550 B.C.

Great Pyramid at Giza, Egypt

At 147 meters (481 feet), the tomb for King Khufu was the tallest structure on Earth for more than 4,000 years. The pyramid still holds the record for the largest stone structure ever built.

1885 A.D.

Home Insurance Company Building, Chicago, Illinois

Experts consider this building the world's first skycraper because of its use of steel framing. It stood roughly 46 meters (150 feet) high. The building was torn down in 1931.

1889

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

The record-breaking height of this 300-meter (1,000-foot) tower proved that steel would make ever-taller buildings possible.

1913

Woolworth Building, New York City

The first skyscraper in New York City rose to 241 meters (792 feet) and cost $13.5 million to build. F.W. Woolworth, owner of a chain of dime stores, paid for the building in cash.

1931

Empire State Building, New York City

This 378-meter (1,239-foot) building was the world's tallest for 40 years. Workmen erected the tower in just 18 months. Clouds often float below tourists on the 86th-floor observation deck.

1971

World Trade Center, New York City

These two enormous towers, which soar 412 meters (1,350 feet) over lower Manhattan, stole the world record from the Empire State Building.

1974

Sears Tower, Chicago

At 443 meters (1,454 feet), this building ranked as the tallest in the world for more than 20 years. The height of the building is measured to the top of its highest roof.

1996

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

These towers, which stand 451.9 meters (1,483 feet) tall, including the spires, now hold the record as the world's tallest. Total construction time: 3 1/2 years.

2001

World Financial Center, Shanghai, China

Construction will begin on this 460-meter (1,509-foot) mega-structure in late 1996. When complete in 2001, the building will become the tallest in the world--at least for a while!

RELATED ARTICLE: Build Your Own Skyscraper!

Try this design challenge to see if you can make a structure that will stand strong through windy weather.

WHAT YOU NEED:

A group of friends (or your science class) organized into several "engineering teams" * electric fan * meter stick * a set of building materials for each team

Each set of building materials should contain: Ten index cords * sheet of sand paper * five plastic drinking straws * small ball of clay * scissors * tape

WHAT TO DO:

1. After reading this article, each team should build a "skyscraper" at least 25 centimeters (10 inches) tall using only the materials listed above. Concentrate on making a structure that will be strong enough to stand against the force of wind. Remember to use some of your materials to "anchor" the building to the ground.