Skyscrapers are now present in almost all the largest cities in the world. This construction methodology, in fact, allows the use of vertical space, reducing land consumption. But What was the first skyscraper built in the world? And what are the characteristics why a building can be defined as a skyscraper? Here’s what you should know.
Home Insurance Building: the story of the first skyscraper in the world
The city where the first skyscrapers were designed was Chicago, United States. Here, in fact, a terrible fire devastated the center in 1871. When planning the reconstruction, we therefore thought of a type of fireproof material that could also withstand great heights, which could even exceed 10 floors.
From this necessity was born the first skyscraper in the world: designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1884 and completed the following year, the Home Insurance Building was approximately 42 meters high and boasted 10 floors, of which 2 more were added after construction. From here on, more and more architects decided to focus on this solution, such as the designer of the Reliance Building, 15 floors high.
Innovations in design
The Home Insurance Building in Chicago was not just a building, but a symbol of technological progress. Its revolutionary structure, based on a steel load-bearing frame, represented an epochal turning point in construction engineering. This construction approach made it possible to reduce the weight of the walls and increase the potential height of the buildings, having a decisive influence the design of subsequent skyscrapers.
However, this building did not yet show the steel structure to view, which was covered by the masonry. We will have to wait a few more years to start seeing buildings with exposed steel and covering glass.
Why was the skyscraper demolished?
Despite its historical importance and its pioneering role in the construction of skyscrapers, Home Insurance Building no longer exists. Demolished in 1931, less than fifty years after its construction, the building gave way to more modern and functional structures to the needs of a rapidly expanding city like Chicago.
In its place today stands the LaSalle Bank Building, another important art deco skyscraper. The important building measures 163 meters and boasts approximately 45 floors. Used for much of its history by banking institutions, today the building is used for offices and commercial activities.
The oldest skyscrapers in the world still in existence
When we talk about skyscrapers, we often focus on new architectural wonders; however, it is also interesting to observe the “ancient” skyscrapers still standing. New York City plays a central role in this, as it boasts over 100 skyscrapers.
Among these it is worth mentioning the Chrysler Building, which for one year (1930-31) held the record as the tallest building in the world. However, he is much more famous the Empire State Building, who held the record for over 40 years (1931 to 1971). Also worth mentioning are the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (1909) and the Woolworth Building (1913)
The tallest skyscrapers in the world
Pushing towards the future, current technologies allow us to reach heights never before imagined. Although no palace reaches the yet record figure of 1000 meters high, there are several “giants” built around the world. Among these, here are the tallest skyscrapers in the world:
- Burj Khalifa (Dubai) – 828 meters
- Merdeka 118 (Kuala Lumpur) – 678 metres
- Shanghai Tower (Shanghai) – 632 meters
- Abraj Al Bait (Mecca) – 601 metres
- Ping An Finance Center (Shenzhen) – 599 meters
- Lotte World Tower (Seoul) – 555 meters
- One World Trade Center (New York) – 541 meters
And in Italy? Even if no building surpasses the record heights that can be observed around the world, there are skyscrapers worthy of note. Currently the tallest building in the country is the Unicredit Tower in Milan, 231 meters high. Followed by the Isozaki Tower in Milan and the Regione Skyscraper in Turin.
