Babel tower of 21st century? Saudi to build world’s tallest building

When UAE’s 828 meter tall Burj Khalifa opened last year, the world was shocked at its tremendous size, while some had doubts about its safety.

However, the world’s attention towards the tower may not last for long as an even larger one, which is exactly a mile in height, is to be built in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Royal family recently announced its bold plan to construct a 1.6km tall “Kingdom Tower,” according to news reports. At that height, it would take approximately 12 minutes to reach its peak by elevator.

Kingdom Holding Company, which is owned by the royal family, is to fund the project.

Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), an architecture and design firm based in Chicago, was hired for the project. The company also designed Burj Khalifa.

The 275-story architecture is expected to cost about $30 billion. Upon completion, the tower will host hotels, offices and shopping malls.

Criticisms also exist concerning the tallest construction plan in the history of the mankind. “The race to build the highest skyscraper is quite futile- where do you stop?“ Rory Olcayto, deputy editor of the Architect’s Journal, told the Mirror.
”These buildings are a symbol of an old-fashioned way of thinking.“

There are also several massive construction projects going on in Korea, including a new Lotte World and Songdo Incheon Tower, which all expect to extend well beyond 100 stories. However, only few skyscrapers are actually being constructed, due to financial or legal problems.

Kang Yoon-seung (koreacolin@gmail.com)
Intern reporter
Edited by Rob York