flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

20 tallest towers that were never completed

20 tallest towers that were never completed

Remember the Chicago Spire? What about Russia Tower? These are two of the tallest building projects that were started, but never completed, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.


By CTBUH | November 29, 2014
Construction work started on the Santiago Calatrava-designed Chicago Spire in 20
Construction work started on the Santiago Calatrava-designed Chicago Spire in 2007, but was halted a year later due to the econo

In the world of tall building construction, projects can stall for any number of reasons—financial, political, cultural—and for long periods of time. 

The CTBUH Research team, in the latest installment of Tall Buildings in Numbers, has undertaken to find the top 20 tallest never-completed buildings, and the 15 longest construction periods from 1985 to the present, listing the stop and start dates, and last known status of these 35 projects.

We learned a lot along the way, turning up some interesting findings on familiar names and long-forgotten projects alike, including:
• Now over 28 years since it started construction, Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongang holds the record for longest construction period by over seven years.
• There are 50 buildings 150 meters or taller currently on hold (i.e., construction had started and stopped, but is planned to resume) around the world.
• The Palace of Soviets in Moscow was actually started in 1937, but construction was halted during frame construction with the coming of World War II. It would have been topped with a statue of Joseph Stalin, making it the world’s tallest structure
• Now over 28 years since it started construction, Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongang holds the record for longest construction period by over seven years.

 

 
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE Source: CTBUH

 

 
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE Source: CTBUH

 

Read the full CTBUH report.

Related Stories

| Apr 3, 2012

Suffolk completes phase one of Baystate Medical Center expansion

Construction management firm awarded emergency department project for successful build of $296 million MassMutual Wing and Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center.

| Apr 3, 2012

Meyer receives RCMA's Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award

The Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award is presented annually to an individual, selected by his or her peers, who has exemplified outstanding service and made significant contributions to the roof coatings industry.

| Apr 3, 2012

Johns Manville publishes 2011 Sustainability Report

Report covers JM’s long-time sustainability focus and progress towards goals.

| Apr 3, 2012

Educational facilities see long-term benefits of fiber cement cladding

Illumination Series panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price. The design for Red Hawk Elementary School stems from the desire to create a vibrant place for kids to learn. In an effort to achieve this design, RB+B Architects selected Nichiha USA to provide a durable yet modern, contemporary exterior finish.

| Apr 2, 2012

TGP launches new fire-rated glazing website

Website offers online continuing education courses registered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), BIM 3D models, and rapid-response quoting, among other support tools.

| Apr 2, 2012

Gilbane honored for sustainability efforts in Indianapolis

Emmitt J. Bean Federal Center project team for their role in advancing sustainability in the city.

| Apr 2, 2012

Mitsubishi unveils ultra-high-speed elevator for Shanghai skyscraper

The operation of the elevator is scheduled to begin in 2014.

| Apr 2, 2012

Sachse Construction helps complete Salt Lake City’s City Creek Center

Sachse was hired to complete store build-outs at City Creek Center.

| Apr 2, 2012

Culver joins Sasaki as managing director

Culver will work closely with Sasaki firm leaders on issues of strategy, marketing, and business development.

| Apr 2, 2012

EB-5 investment funds new Miramar, Fla. business complex

Riviera Point Holdings breaks ground on $17 million office center.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category


Mass Timber

Bjarke Ingels Group designs a mass timber cube structure for the University of Kansas

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and executive architect BNIM have unveiled their design for a new mass timber cube structure called the Makers’ KUbe for the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. A six-story, 50,000-sf building for learning and collaboration, the light-filled KUbe will house studio and teaching space, 3D-printing and robotic labs, and a ground-level cafe, all organized around a central core.



halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021