Burj Khalifa

Pushing the boundaries of not only engineering, but also other academic disciplines can sometimes increase our understanding of the world as a whole. It needn't be, though, since good engineering may equally just be about constructing an extremely tall, attractive building.

The Burj Khalifa, which is 2,717 feet tall, is the highest structure in the world at the moment. It is so tall that it dwarfs the nearest opponent by roughly 500 feet, leaving you to wonder how it is even still standing. The Burj Khalifa was constructed over the course of more than six years by the Chicago company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It was initially made accessible to the general public in January 2010. Its Y-shaped base is modelled after the indigenous Hymenocallis flower, but it also functions to withstand strong winds.

There are 163 floors in total, each constructed in a unique design to lessen the impact of the winds as you go higher. The building includes a number of observation decks, including the two-story At The Top on its 124th and 125th floors, as well as upscale restaurants, business centres, and a three-story club. It also has its own homes and shopping areas.