January 26, 2009

Media inquiries about this article should be addressed to: Geri Kery, CTBUH Manager of Operations telephone: 312-909-0253, email: gkery@ctbuh.org

Locations: The Ten Tallest Buildings Completed in 2008

Criteria: The Ten Tallest Buildings Completed in 2008

When is a tall building considered to be ‘completed’? A completed building can be considered such - and is eligible for this list - if it fulfils all three of the following criteria: 1) topped out structurally and architecturally, 2) fully-clad, 3) open for business, or at least partially occupied How is the height of the Ten Tallest Buildings Completed in 2008 measured? Height is measured from the sidewalk level outside the main entrance to the architectural top of the building, including spires, but not including antennae, signage or flag poles. CTBUH World’s Tallest Building Ranking This figure refers to the building’s height ranking in the CTBUH World’s Tallest Buildings as of December 31st, 2008 Usage A single-function tall building is defined as one where 85% or more of its total floor area is dedicated to a single usage. A mixed-use tall building contains two or more functions, where each of the functions occupy at least 15% of the tower’s total floor area. Ancillary / support areas such as car parks and mechanical plant space do not constitute mixed-use functions. Functions are denoted in ascending order, e.g. ‘office / hotel’ indicates hotel function above office function. Structural Material A steel tall building is defined as one where the main vertical and lateral structural elements and floor systems are constructed from steel. A concrete tall building is defined as one where the main vertical and lateral structural elements and floor systems are constructed from concrete. A composite tall building utilizes a combination of both steel and concrete in the main structural elements throughout the building. A concrete/steel tall building indicates a steel structural system located above a concrete structural system, with the opposite true of a steel/concrete building. Additional Notes: 1. If a tall building is of steel construction with a floor system of concrete planks on steel beams, it's considered a steel tall building. 2. If a tall building is of steel construction with a floor system of a concrete slab on steel beams, it's considered a steel tall building. 3. If a tall building has steel columns plus a floor system of concrete beams, it's considered a composite tall building. For a more complete overview of the CTBUH's height criteria, click here