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
Retail Centers | Jul 27, 2015
Fish-shaped shopping mall designed for odd plot of land in China
The mall, in Qinshui, a city in China’s Shanxi province, will fit within the 250x30-meter dimensions surrounded by parallel roads and two converging rivers.
Performing Arts Centers | Jul 27, 2015
Vox Populi: Netherlands municipality turns to public vote to select design for new theater
UNStudio’s Theatre on the Parade received nearly three-fifths of votes cast in contest between two finalists.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2015
Miami developers are designing luxury housing to cater to out-of-town buyers and renters
The Miami Herald reports on several new multifamily projects, including the Paramount Miami Worldcenter, whose homes include maid’s rooms, larger terraces, boutique-size closets, and guest suites.
Architects | Jul 23, 2015
CTBUH recognizes Parkroyal on Pickering as Urban Habitat Award winner
The Singapore hotel has green space galore
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 23, 2015
Japan announces new plan for Olympic Stadium
The country moves on from Zaha Hadid Architects, creators of the original stadium design scrapped last week.
Green | Jul 23, 2015
NASA: U.S. headed for worst droughts in a millennium
Data from NASA shows carbon emissions could be the driving force behind devastating water shortages and record droughts in the western U.S.
Airports | Jul 22, 2015
MUST SEE: JFK airport taps Gensler to design terminal for animals
Pets can enjoy luxurious spa and grooming services before being transported directly to their flight from the terminal.
Office Buildings | Jul 21, 2015
Finally! There's a workplace trend that’s worth embracing
There’s a realization by corporate real estate executives that in order to create a successful workplace, there must be alignment between their people, their place, and the tools they have to do their jobs.
University Buildings | Jul 21, 2015
Maker spaces: Designing places to test, break, and rebuild
Gensler's Kenneth Fisher and Keller Roughton highlight recent maker space projects at MIT and the University of Nebraska that provide just the right mix of equipment, tools, spaces, and disciplines to spark innovation.
Architects | Jul 21, 2015
Architecture Billings Index at highest mark since 2007
This is the first month in 2015 that all regions are reporting positive business conditions, said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.
