By Teoh Tze Ping
Managing Director, KONE Malaysia
According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), about 50 years ago, only 25 buildings worldwide surpassed 200 metres in height. Now, nearly 1,500 towering structures stand tall in cities globally, symbolising architectural prowess and urban evolution.
Asia leads this skyscraper revolution, showcasing rapid urban development and architectural innovation. Zooming into Malaysia, our country ranks fourth worldwide and leads Southeast Asia with an impressive 366 high-rise buildings.
Tall buildings serve as iconic symbols of modern urban landscapes and are indispensable to contemporary urban environments. In addition to promoting denser urban living and healthier lifestyles, they drive innovation in construction technology and materials.
While we are familiar with many popular buildings, here are three equally impressive tall structures.
CITIC Tower, Beijing (528 metres)
Named after the state-owned investment company China International Trust Investment Corporation (CITIC), the CITIC Tower became Beijing’s tallest building in 2019. It also holds the fourth position in China and ranks eighth worldwide, according to the architecture magazine designboom.
The building’s design draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese “zun”, a ceremonial bronze vessel symbolising wealth, status, and spiritual connection in Chinese culture.
However, what makes the building even more intriguing is its construction timeline. The building owner managed to save up to 320,000 work hours using a self-climbing construction-time-use elevator known as the KONE JumpLift, which transported 4,000 workers and their tools around the site. According to Timo Vlasov from KONE Major Projects, the elevator literally ascends the building’s permanent elevator shaft as the building rises taller.
Ping An Finance Centre, Shenzhen (599 metres)
The Ping An Financial Centre is a striking addition to the skyline of Shenzhen. It has been recognised as the world’s fourth-tallest skyscraper by CTBUH. Featuring the world’s largest stainless-steel facade, incorporating 1,542 kilogrammes of metal to resist corrosion and withstand Shenzhen’s salty coastal environment, this 100-floor office tower is supported by a retail and conference podium.
It has become a hub of activity, serving a thriving community of 15,500 workers and attracting 9,000 daily visitors. The building is renowned not only for its impressive height but also for its high-speed elevators engineered by KONE. These elevators travel a staggering 553 metres at a maximum speed of 10 metres per second, ensuring swift and efficient vertical transportation for its occupants and visitors.
Makkah Clock Royal Tower Hotel, Mecca (601 metres)
Did you know that New York is not the only city that never sleeps? Mecca can be added to that list, which might explain why it boasts a prominent clock tower. The Makkah Clock Royal Tower, now known as the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, is a 5-star luxury hotel and part of an iconic Clock Towers Complex.
Standing at 601 metres tall, it holds the distinction of being the tallest hotel in the world, with an expansive indoor space totalling 1.6 million square metres for the entire project. The Makkah Clock is visible from approximately 17 kilometres away at night and up to 12 kilometres during the day.
The 120-floor building also houses the Lunar Research Centre and Cosmology Centre, featuring some of the largest telescopes in the world.
The tower faced an interesting challenge: ensuring the smooth departure of 75,000 guests within 30 minutes during the five daily prayer times. To manage this, the developer engaged KONE to develop special group control software with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This software learns and tracks passenger traffic patterns to optimise the flow of people.
Merdeka 118 (679 metres)
Merdeka 118 is more than just another skyscraper; it is deeply rooted in Malaysia’s history! The building is inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (TAR) iconic “Laungan Merdeka”, featuring a distinctive silhouette with an outstretched hand at the top.
Inside this 118-story tower, elevators enhance convenience by reducing wait times and improving the flow of people. Advanced technology by KONE ensures easy navigation, while built-in safety features provide peace of mind during emergencies.
Furthermore, Merdeka 118 will boast the world’s highest observation deck at 566 metres, surpassing even Burj Khalifa’s deck!
Growing cities require innovative vertical transformation
As cities continue to grow, these towering structures have never been more critical to global economic and social development, shaping the very fabric of our urban landscapes.
Just imagine life without elevators — reaching higher floors would require tackling countless flights of stairs, leaving you exhausted after just a few floors. This highlights the immense importance of elevators in our urban world! Fortunately, elevator technology has advanced significantly, making buildings accessible and efficient for everyone. Now, you can effortlessly reach your desired floor without breaking a sweat.
As urban landscapes evolve, tall buildings become essential to meet the needs of growing urban populations. Companies like KONE, along with others in the industry, play a crucial role in ensuring these towering structures are functional, efficient, and sustainable!
