In 2011, 88 new towers over 200 meters (656 ft.) high were built in the world--a record number, compared to the 32 new towers built in 2005. There are another 96 new towers slated for completion this year, with China being the biggest builder.
But with so many new additions to skylines around the world, which buildings are the best?
Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), a group of architects, structural engineers, and builders of tall buildings that monitors tall building projects around the world, recently named the best tall buildings in the World for 2012.
The group chose the best buildings in each of four regional categories: the Americas, Asia and Australia, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. There's an additional innovation award given to the most innovative building. Criteria include sustainability, innovation, and design.
The list includes a sexy, curvaceous pair of towers, a sky-high glass-enclosed atrium, and a building that breathes and moves with the sun, among others.
The Absolute Towers in Mississauga, Canada, a fast-growing suburb of Toronto, were named the best tall buildings in the Americas.
The towers earned the nickname "Marilyn Monroe" for their sexy, curvaceous figures--just like the late legendary actress. "We see the entire building twisting to achieve the organic form, creating a beautiful new landmark for a developing urban area," engineer David Scott said in a statement.
The residential towers, which are set to be completed in August 2012, will reach a height of 179.5 meters (589 ft.) and 158 meters (518 ft.).
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