Tallest in the world
August 4, 2011 (Thursday)
Saudi Arabia has plans for a skyscraper that will reach one kilometer into the sky. That’s about 3280 feet, or 328 floors. The question one asks, is, “Why?” The answer to that question is, “Because it will be higher than the tallest tower in the neighboring country of Dubai. America lost its claim to the tallest building in the world years ago; many nations now compete for that distinction. Again we have to ask, “Why?” The answer seems to be that it gives bragging rights to the nation with the tallest building.
Why do we have skyscrapers anyway? Because the place where such buildings were first constructed, New York City, needed to build upwards. Their buildings are on an island; there’s no place else to go. There’s really no viable reason to build skyscrapers anywhere else. I’m sure there are many arguments for the tall buildings that would make me look ridiculous for suggesting that they are not always needed. No one can deny, however, that New York City needed the skyscrapers; no other plan would provide the needed office space. New York City has built under the ground, on the ground, and into the sky. The invention of the elevator made the tall buildings possible.
Perhaps the trend in our nation is changing. Exxon Mobil is building a new headquarters north of Houston, and the plan calls for many buildings on a beautiful 385-acre campus. As I understood what I read about it, there will be no highrise buildings.
Around the world the trend toward tall structures continues. Each nation wants to impress the others.
Tall buildings are not everyone’s “cup of tea.” As for me, I prefer the first floor, especially if it’s a hotel.