Tall buildings always draw attention, and in 2015 they're only getting bigger and better. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat has published a list of its top predictions for skyscrapers in the coming year, noting milestones on individual projects, like the highly anticipated Kingdom Tower, and larger industry trends, such as the use of wood in high-rise construction.
From Moscow to Kuala Lumpur, it looks as if 2015 will hold some major highlights for the tall buildings industry. Here are CTBUH's predictions:
1. New York’s B2 Will Be Back
A legal scuffle between contractor Skanska and developer Forest City Ratner stalled this project in 2014, but it will likely be back on track early in 2015.
2. 2015: Year of the “Woodscraper”?
More than one wood-heavy skyscraper is under construction as we move into the new year, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will reveal the winner of the $2 million Tall Wood Building Competition.
3. Dubai’s Burj 2020 to Get Under Way
The long-awaited Burj 2020 looks to begin construction in 2015, with shortlisted engineering teams being interviewed in late 2014.
4. Re-imagined Pinnacle Will Be Revealed
The London Pinnacle, only partway finished due to the recession, has been taken on by PLP Architects. Their plans for the project should be unveiled by spring of 2015.
5. Jeddah’s Kingdom Tower Completes 22nd Floor
CTBUH predicts that the tower will complete its 22nd floor by May, with construction currently running at 2.5 floors per month.
6. Las Vegas’ Harmon Hotel Will Finally Come Down
After years of frustration and speculation, the deconstruction of this ill-fated hotel began in 2014, and is on track for completion in 2015.
7. Ping An Finance Center Will Top Out
Shenzhen's Ping An Finance Center should reach its ultimate height by mid-2015.
8. Moscow’s Federation Towers Will Be Completed
If this complex is finished in 2015, its Vostok Tower will be the tallest tower in Europe.
9. Foundation Work for Kuala Lumpur’s KL118 Completed by Q3 2015
Developer KL118 has reported that the foundation for the tower will be laid by the end of 2015's third quarter.
10. Shanghai Tower Will Be Completed
The tower and its glassed-in skygardens are set to open their doors by the end of 2015.
11. China Will Complete 13 Supertalls
Squarely ahead of any other country in this category, if China completes its scheduled 13 supertalls, it will be responsible for 57% of the world's supertall buildings in 2015.
Read CTBUH's "Watch Out for These Tall Happenings in 2015" report.
Related Stories
| Oct 11, 2011
AIA introduces five new documents for use on sustainable projects
These new documents will be available in the first quarter of 2012 as part of the new AIA Contract Documents service and AIA Documents on Demand.
| Oct 11, 2011
Pink light bulbs donated to Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
For every Bulbrite Pink Light Bulb that is purchased through the Cancer Center Thrift Shop, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to help support breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment.
| Oct 11, 2011
ThyssenKrupp elevator cabs validated by UL Environment
The conclusive and independent third-party validation process is another step toward a green product line.
| Oct 11, 2011
Ballard Spahr launches real estate recovery group
The new group represents an expansion of the company’s Distressed Real Estate Initiative, which was launched in 2008 to help clients throughout the country plan, adapt and prosper in a challenging economic environment.
| Oct 11, 2011
Onex completes investment in JELD-WEN
With the completion of the JELD-WEN investment, Onex Partners III is approximately 40% invested.
| Oct 7, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Demand response partnership program announced at Greenbuild 2011
Program will use USGBC’s newly revised LEED Demand Response credit as an implementation guideline and leverage its relationships with the building community to foster adoption and participation in existing utility and solution provider demand response offerings.
| Oct 7, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Otis Elevator announces new contracts for sustainable building projects
Wins reinforce Otis’ position as leader in energy-efficient products.
| Oct 7, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: UL Environment releases industry-wide sustainability requirements for doors
ASSA ABLOY Trio-E door is the first to be certified to these sustainability requirements.
| Oct 7, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: UL Environment clarifies emerging environmental product declaration field
White paper defines EPD, details development process, and identifies emerging trends for manufacturers, architects, designers, and buyers.
| Oct 7, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Otis Elevator introduces energy-efficient escalator
The energy-efficient NCE escalator from Otis offers customers substantial “green” benefits.
