How We Rank Skyscrapers is Absurd
Stewart Hicks・15 minutes read
The debate over the world's tallest building involves the Sears Tower, now Willis Tower, being surpassed by the Petronis Towers and One World Trade Center according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's standards, with criteria including the level of the lowest significant open-air pedestrian entrance leading to discrepancies in measurements. GiveWell offers a platform for high-impact charitable donations, directing funds to select organizations and potentially saving lives by allowing donors to choose specific causes like bed nets to prevent malaria with a matching donation offer up to $100 by visiting givewell.org, selecting YouTube, and entering "Steuart Hicks" at checkout.
Insights
- The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) plays a crucial role in determining the tallest building globally, leading to debates and controversies surrounding skyscraper heights and rankings.
- Skyscrapers, characterized by a frame-based structural system, hold significant cultural and architectural importance, serving as iconic landmarks that symbolize pride and achievement for developers while attracting visitors and recognition worldwide.
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Recent questions
What is the controversy surrounding the Sears Tower?
The Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, faced controversy as it was surpassed in height by the Petronis Towers and One World Trade Center.
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Summary
00:00
Tallest Skyscrapers: History and Controversy
- The Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, is a point of contention due to being surpassed in height by the Petronis Towers and One World Trade Center.
- The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) sets the standards for measuring building heights, leading to controversy over the tallest building title.
- The Home Insurance Building in Chicago, built in 1885, was considered the first skyscraper, but New York's Tribune Building was taller and built earlier.
- Skyscrapers require a frame-based structural system, distinguishing them from other tall structures like the Washington Monument or Eiffel Tower.
- The Empire State Building claimed the title of the world's tallest skyscraper in 1931, holding it for 41 years.
- The Sears Tower, later Willis Tower, became the tallest building in the world in 1974, standing at 1454 ft.
- The title of the world's tallest building shifted to the Petronis Towers in 1998, despite visual perceptions of the Sears Tower's height.
- The criteria for measuring building height include the level of the lowest significant open-air pedestrian entrance, leading to discrepancies in measurements.
- The CTBUH grants plaques to recognized buildings, with the tallest buildings today not ranking as high as the Sears Tower or Petronis Towers did.
- Building tall is a source of pride and recognition for developers, with the tallest structures becoming iconic landmarks and attracting visitors.
14:14
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