Frequently Asked Questions

For other inquiries not outlined below, please contact: [email protected].

What happened to The Skyscraper Center?

The new CTBUH website includes the tall building database formerly known as The Skyscraper Center (skyscrapercenter.com). All of the content from The Skyscraper Center can be found within the website. To search for buildings, use the search button at the top of the navigation.

We offer the same resources to our users, but features displaying a 'lock' symbol are exclusive to CTBUH members. Please note that you must become a CTBUH member to access those features.

External Use of Data and Images from the CTBUH Tall Building Database

Can I use images on the Tall Building Database in my publication?

All image copyrights are held by the individuals and companies who have submitted them to us, and we cannot authorize the publishing of these in any other work.

Can I download data in a tabular format (e.g., excel, csv, etc.)?

We do not share our information in any tabular formats, such as files that can be used in Microsoft Excel. To filter results categorically, visit the Explore Data page.

Can I use data from the Tall Building Database for my publication? How do I properly credit the Tall Building Database in my publication?

All information provided on the CTBUH Tall Building Database is available for public use and inclusion within research if applicable citations referencing the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) are made. Please note that while CTBUH Tall Building Database data is available for public use, images are not.

Can I use CTBUH diagrammatic elevations for my publication? Are there high-resolution versions available?

All diagrammatic elevations on building profile pages are produced and owned by CTBUH. To utilize these in a collaborative research activity with CTBUH, please contact [email protected]. For utilization in news publications, please contact [email protected].

Adding to the CTBUH Tall Building Database

How do I add a new building or update information on the Tall Building Database?

To add a new building, or update information on a building page, please visit our online public submission portal.

How do I add a company to a building page?

To add a new company to a building page, please visit our online public submission portal. Please search for the company in our existing database before submitting a new company entry.

Can my photographs be added to a building’s page?

To add a new photographs to a building page, please visit our online public submission portal. Please note that you must own the image or have copyright permission for that image in order to submit.

CTBUH Tall Building Database Policies

What is the minimum height required to add a tall building to the Tall Building Database?

There is no absolute definition of what constitutes a “tall building;” the definition is subjective, considered against one or more of the following categories: Height Relative to Context, Proportion, or Embracing Technologies Relevant to Tall Buildings. Although number of floors is a poor indicator of defining a tall building due to the changing floor-to-floor height between differing buildings and functions (e.g., office versus residential usage), a building of 14 or more stories—or more than 50 meters (165 feet) in height—could typically be used as a threshold for a “tall building.” For more information, please read the CTBUH Height Criteria.

Where does the Tall Building Database get its information from?

The CTBUH Tall Building Database receives most of its information directly from companies involved in the projects, including developers, architects, engineers, contractors, etc. Other acceptable sources for building information include official press releases and city building applications/permits. The Tall Building Database does not accept information sourced from user-generated webpages, databases, or forums.

How does CTBUH evaluate when a building has started construction, reached completion, or undergone other status changes?

For the CTBUH definitions regarding status changes, please visit the “Building Status” section of the CTBUH Height Criteria.

What is the difference between Architectural Height and other measuring methods?

For global consistency, CTBUH only measures buildings based off Height to Architectural Top, Height to the Highest Occupied Floor, and Height to Tip. For details on how these heights are measured, please visit the “Measuring Tall Building Height” section of the CTBUH Height Criteria.

Why are observation towers and other certain structures excluded from the CTBUH “Tallest” lists?

All official CTBUH “Tallest” Lists only measure tall buildings. To learn why some structures may not be considered a tall “building,” please visit the “Tall Building Characteristics” section of the CTBUH Height Criteria.

What is the Skyscraper Center Editorial Board? Is there an application process to join?

The Skyscraper Center Editorial Board consists of CTBUH members from around the world that have a keen interest in skyscrapers and provide information and updates on projects in their area, as well as research on tall building construction. Through regular submissions to the CTBUH Tall Building Database, a tiered reward system gives every board member the opportunity to win CTBUH posters, publications, complimentary membership, event attendance, and travel stipends for major CTBUH events. The Skyscraper Center Editorial Board is invitation-only; invitations are granted based on a history of regular, accurate, and properly-sourced public submissions.

Why is an out-of-date company name still listed on a building?

The CTBUH Tall Building Database lists companies based on their official name at the time of the building’s completion. When companies experience a name change, all buildings completed before this change will still use the historic name of the company.

When is a height and rank officially ratified by CTBUH?

A building’s height and its respective geographic ranking will not be ratified by CTBUH until the building is complete. For the CTBUH definitions of when a building is considered “complete,” please visit the “Building Status” section of the CTBUH Height Criteria.

Utilizing the CTBUH Tall Building Database

Is the Tall Building Database a comprehensive list of all buildings globally?

The CTBUH Tall Building Database only lists tall buildings. For the definition of a tall building, please read the CTBUH Height Criteria. Due to the growth of global tall building construction, it is unlikely all tall buildings are represented on the Tall Building Database, especially those that are currently proposed or under construction. Through the annual CTBUH Year in Review data study, CTBUH can ensure that the database represents the majority of completed buildings of 200 meters in height or greater.

Can I generate a building list using custom filters?

The CTBUH Tall Building Database Explore Data page allows you to create lists and graphs using status, height (including number of floors), material, function, location, company, completion year, number of elevators, elevator speed, and number of apartments, hotel rooms, and parking spaces. The Tall Building Database does not currently have the option to include additional building filters in lists. Much more information on individual buildings can be found on their respective building profile pages.

Can CTBUH assist in academic research or provide information not found on the Tall Building Database?

To conduct a collaborative research activity with CTBUH, please contact [email protected]. For press inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Assistance for independent research projects is not provided.

Common Miscellaneous Inquiries

Can CTBUH facilitate communications with companies or buildings featured on The CTBUH Tall Building Database?

The representation of a company and building profile on the Tall Building Database does not signify a CTBUH relationship with this respective building or company. Contact information of CTBUH member companies is strictly not shared or published for privacy reasons. Furthermore, CTBUH does not facilitate tours or communications for non-member individuals or companies. To learn about becoming a member of CTBUH and the benefits associated with membership, please visit our Membership page.

Can I make a list of all tall buildings that utilize certain tall building technologies (mass timber structures, skybridges, dampers, etc.)?

While the Tall Building Database does not have the functionality to create lists of buildings that use specific technologies, most major tall building characteristics, technologies, and innovations have been extensively examined through case studies and research in other CTBUH outputs. You can search and filter videos, research papers, and data studies that have discussed these topics. Books, research reports, and journal issues centered around these topics can be found on the CTBUH Web Shop.