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
| Apr 18, 2012
Positive conditions persist for Architecture Billings Index
The AIA reported the March ABI score was 50.4, following a mark of 51.0 in February; greatest demand is for commercial building projects.
| Apr 18, 2012
Syska Hennessy re-launches Information and Communication Technology practice
The ICT practice will focus a blend of products including Information Technology, Security, Audiovisual, Building Automation, Fire Life Safety, Medical Communications and Intelligent Building Systems.
| Apr 18, 2012
Perkins+Will designs new complex for Johns Hopkins Hosptial
The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center and the Sheikh Zayed Tower create transformative patient-centric care.
| Apr 18, 2012
BBS Architects & Engineers acquires Ward Associates
The merged companies’ on-going project portfolio valued at $220 million.
| Apr 17, 2012
Princeton Review releases “Guide to 322 Green Colleges”
The guide profiles 322 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.
| Apr 17, 2012
FMI report examines federal construction trends
Given the rapid transformations occurring in the federal construction sector, FMI examines the key forces accelerating these changes, as well as their effect on the industry.
| Apr 17, 2012
Freese and Nichols awarded Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award
Freese and Nichols is the only engineering and architecture firm to ever receive this recognition.
| Apr 17, 2012
Miramar College police substation in San Diego receives LEED Platinum
The police substation is the first higher education facility in San Diego County to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, the highest rating possible.
| Apr 17, 2012
Alberici receives 2012 ASA General Contractor of the Year award
Alberici has been honored by the ASA eight times in the award’s nineteen-year history--more than any other general contractor in its class.
| Apr 16, 2012
Freeland promoted to vice president at Heery International
Recently named to Building Design+Construction’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2012.