At 3,280 Feet High, Kingdom Tower Riyadh Becomes Tallest Building in The World
There is something to be said about buildings on the rise especially in the case of the Kingdom Tower, set to be the world’s tallest building in 2016. Riyadh in Saudi Arabia is getting a major gem of architecture as the Kingdom Tower will soar 3,280 feet tall.
The mastermind behind this behemoth is none other than Adrian Smith, who designed the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Smith currently owns bragging rights to the world’s tallest building, and is if that wasn’t enough, he went on to top his own current record with the Kingdom Tower.
The Kingdom Tower, once completed in 5 years, will break all records for its soaring height. Not to mention, this puppy is absolutely beautiful with its futuristic design and pinnacle pointy peak. Its sleek design and shiny silver color is an emblem of architectural beauty with a futuristic trend to boot.
This new tower will be the home to 5.7 million square feet and be used for a multitude of purposes including: office space, a luxury hotel, apartments, and condominiums. Not only does this gargantuan gorgeous looker defy gravity, but it also boasts a hefty price tag of $1.2 billion dollars. Can we say, chaching?!
Personally, I am uber excited for this new tower to be built. I never thought I would say that due to my extreme case of acrophobia. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to admire it from the ground. This modern marvel sets the tone for the future of architecture and the 2000’s we all dreamed of, and all I have to say is, Saudi Arabia, you done good, son. You done good, but being a Chicago boy, the Sears Tower will always and forever be the tallest building in my heart.
What is the history behind the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh Saudi Arabia?
The Kingdom Tower, also known as the Jeddah Tower, is a super-tall skyscraper located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is currently under construction and, when completed, will become the tallest building in the world. The tower’s history and development are significant as it represents a remarkable engineering and architectural achievement.
Here is the history behind the Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia:
- Initial Proposal: The idea for the Kingdom Tower was first proposed in 2008 by the Saudi Arabian Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. The tower was initially intended to be part of the Kingdom City development project in Jeddah.
- Architectural Design: The architectural design for the tower was conceived by the renowned architect Adrian Smith from the architectural firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. The design incorporates Islamic architecture elements, and the tower’s form resembles a blossoming desert flower.
- Height Aspirations: From the beginning, the aim was to create a record-breaking tower that would surpass all existing skyscrapers. The initial height target was set at around 1,600 meters (approximately 5,250 feet), which is more than three times the height of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the current tallest building in the world.
- Construction Commencement: Groundbreaking for the Kingdom Tower took place on April 1, 2013. However, the actual construction process faced several delays and challenges.
- Progress and Delays: Construction delays were attributed to various factors, including financial issues, technical complexities, and the scale of the project. The construction has also faced some intermittent periods of slow progress.
- Planned Height Adjustment: Due to various challenges, the initial height target of 1,600 meters was revised. The final height of the tower is expected to be approximately 1,000 meters (around 3,281 feet).
- Current Status: As of my last update in September 2021, the Kingdom Tower was still under construction. The project has been progressing, but the completion date has been subject to delays and rescheduling.
Once completed, the Kingdom Tower will feature a combination of residential, hotel, and commercial spaces, as well as an observation deck offering panoramic views of Jeddah and the Red Sea. The tower’s significance lies not only in its remarkable height but also in its representation of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in architectural innovation and development. It is expected to become a landmark and an emblem of the country’s progress and vision for the future.
This architecture blog about the tallest building in the world, the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, was published by Nazmiyal rugs in New York City.
