TALL TALES

Reaching High: The 10 Most Fascinating Skyscrapers In The World

Credit: Rohan Makhecha

Skyscrapers are the architectural legacy of modernity. Pushing the boundaries of engineering and design, these monumental structures redefined urban living and reshaped cities. From towering glass structures to spiraling wonders, skyscrapers continue to fascinate city dwellers and stand as testaments to human ingenuity.

Let’s take a tour around the world and explore 10 of the most fascinating skyscrapers out there!

Credit: Nick Fewings

Location: Dubai, UAE

At a staggering 2,722 feet, the Burj Khalifa currently reigns as the world's tallest building. Its sleek design, inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis as well as by Islamic architecture, features a spiraling pattern that draws the eye upward. An architectural wonder, it is built to endure the extreme conditions of the desert while offering panoramic views of the city below.

Credit: Antonella Vilardo

Location: Shanghai, China

As the third-tallest building globally, the Shanghai Tower soars 2,073 feet into the sky. Its distinctive twisted shape not only reduces wind loads but also creates a stunning visual effect. With some of the world's fastest elevators, a mixed-use concept, and a futuristic design that focuses on high energy efficiency, the Shanghai Tower is a striking symbol of China's rapid development.

Credit: Lucas Franco

Location: New York City, USA

An emblem of resilience and rebirth, the One World Trade Center is arguably the beating heart of New York City. Reaching 1,776 feet, a deliberate homage to the year of American independence, the colossal building was also designed to be in harmony with the city’s iconic skyline. Whether seeking to understand the city's history, or simply marvel at the breathtaking views, the One World Trade Center is an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.

Credit: Vlad Shapochnikov

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The breathtaking Petronas Towers in Malaysia’s capital proudly held the title of the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. But despite being surpassed, they are still a marvel of modern architecture. Their sleek design inspired by Islamic motifs incorporates steel and glass to stunning effect. The sky bridge connecting the two towers offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist attraction.

Credit: Jack Brind

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

The tallest building in Taiwan, Taipei 101's bold design incorporates elements of traditional Asian architecture with modern technology. Its distinctive pagoda-like structure is made to withstand typhoons and earthquakes and also to symbolize the connection between earth and sky. Its 101 floors are also deliberate, as the number represents the renewal of time, linking past and future.

Credit: Ryan Brooklyn

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Standing 1,821 feet tall, Lotte World Tower's elegant silhouette dominates the Seoul skyline. Its design draws inspiration from traditional Korean ceramics and features cutting-edge sustainability elements. The first building in South Korea to be over 100 stories tall, light and fireworks displays are often showcased from the tower during national festivities or celebrations.

Credit: Valentin Kremer

Location: London, UK

Formerly known as the London Bridge Tower and rising 1,016 feet above the skyline, The Shard's glass façade and iconic silhouette have become synonymous with modern London. Its characteristic pyramidal shape was designed to resemble the 18th-century London spires as well as the masts of sailing ships.

Credit: Andreas M

Location: Singapore

Although technically not a skyscraper by most accounts, at 650 feet, the Marina Bay Sands building is still a wonder of modern architecture. The multifaceted complex consists of three towers connected at the top by a massive rooftop terrace known as the SkyPark, which features gardens, infinity pools, and panoramic views of the city skyline.

Credit: Martti Salmi

Location: New York City, USA

Soaring 1,550 feet above Manhattan's skyline, the Central Park Tower stands as the tallest primarily residential building in the world. Designed to maximize both views and comfort, the luxurious building offers unparalleled views of Central Park and the iconic cityscape, with amenities including a private club, swimming pool, and concierge services.

Credit: irvin calicut, CC BY-SA 3.0

Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait

As the tallest building in Kuwait and the tallest curved concrete skyscraper in the world, the Al Hamra Tower is the central piece of Kuwait City’s skyline. Its twisting form and beautifully polished frontage make it an unforgettable landmark, with an innovative design that incorporates energy-efficient features and advanced technology to minimize reflective surface area.

TO BE ON YOUR BEST GAME, YOU MUST TALK THE GAME.

Gaming Lingo Decoded: 12 Words Of The Videogame Generation

Credit: Fredrick Tendong

As with every group, gamers have their linguistic codes. Words, terms, and expressions derived from their realm are used to describe specific phenomena and situations that don’t arise in other scenarios.

A fusion of technical jargon, slang, and acronyms, serves as the linguistic backbone of virtual landscapes, shaping the way enthusiasts communicate, strategize, and celebrate victories. From classics like "Respawn" and "RPG" to contemporary gems like "aimbot" and "chiptune," each term encapsulates a unique facet of the gaming experience.

Credit: Jack B

"Abandonware" is a term that describes software, typically games, that has been discontinued by its developers and publishers. These are titles that have been left behind, often due to shifting industry priorities or the march of technological progress. Yet, for enthusiasts, they are a cherished part of gaming history.

This word not only defines a specific category of games but also embodies the sentiment of rediscovery and preservation within the gaming community, where players actively work to keep these abandoned gems alive through emulation and digital archives.

Credit: Florian Gagnepain

"Achievement hunter" designates a player on a relentless quest to unlock every in-game achievement, badge, or trophy available. Beyond merely completing a game's storyline, these dedicated individuals push their skills to the limit to conquer challenges, discover hidden secrets, and showcase their prowess.

The term reflects a subculture within the gaming community, where virtual bragging rights are earned through the accumulation of these digital accolades. For an achievement hunter, a game isn't just a narrative to experience; it's a comprehensive battlefield where every challenge conquered is a badge of honor, a mark of dedication, and a testament to their dominance in the gaming realm.

Credit: Frederick Tendong

"Action Role-Playing Game" (ARPG) describes a dynamic genre that combines narrative depth with real-time combat. ARPGs, distinguished by their emphasis on player-driven stories, character customization, and immediate engagement, invite players into immersive worlds.

These games blend the decision-making quality of traditional role-playing games with the more active elements of action games. As the genre continues to evolve, the freedom to shape characters, embark on epic quests, and confront enemies in fast-paced encounters grows and becomes more complex by the day.

Credit: Ella Don

An "aimbot" is a software or program designed to enhance a player's accuracy in shooting games, automating the aiming process and often providing an unfair advantage. While some view it as a tool for leveling the playing field, others decry its usage as a form of cheating that undermines the spirit of fair competition.

The term has become emblematic of the ethics in gaming, illustrating the fine line between skill enhancement and compromising the integrity of the gaming experience. In this lexicon, "aimbot" works as a symbol of the ongoing tension between innovation and the preservation of fair play within the gaming community.

Credit: Ella Don

Typically encountered at the culmination of a game level or stage, a "boss" is a powerful, often larger-than-life enemy designed to test a player's skills, strategy, and perseverance. Beyond its literal meaning, "boss" has evolved into a colloquial expression within gamer lingo, signifying any significant challenge or obstacle that demands a heightened level of effort to overcome.

Whether facing mythical creatures, futuristic warlords, or clever masterminds, the concept of the boss is a central and revered element in the immersive worlds gamers navigate and conquer.

Credit: Senad Palic

Coming from the combination of "chip" and "tune" this term refers to a genre of music created using the sound chips of vintage gaming consoles and computers. Characterized by its distinctive 8-bit and 16-bit tones, chiptune recreates the sonic landscape of retro games.

As much a cultural phenomenon as a musical genre, chiptune embodies the enduring love for vintage gaming, illustrating how the technology limitations of the past gave birth to an art form that continues to captivate modern gamers and musicians alike.

Credit: Todd Jiang

In the lexicon of gaming, "respawn" is a digital reincarnation. When a player's character meets an untimely demise, "respawn" triggers the virtual rebirth, allowing them to rejoin the action and resume their quest.

When used correctly, this concept goes beyond a mere mechanic, symbolizing resilience, learning from setbacks, and the unyielding determination to conquer challenges.

Credit: Jake Schumacher

Whether enhancing the aesthetic appeal or showcasing a player's unique style, "skins" have become a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. These digital adornments, often available through in-game purchases or rewards, allow players to express individuality in the vast online landscapes they inhabit.

From elaborate armor variations to quirky character outfits, the term "skin" is a tool to express the visual identity and creative flair that players wield as they navigate the diverse realms of video games.

Credit: Pixabay

A self-describing term, "Third-Person Shooter" (TPS) provides players with a unique perspective on the virtual battleground. Unlike First-Person Shooters, TPS places the camera behind the character, offering a broader view of the gaming environment.

This distinctive gameplay style immerses players in the action while also providing a comprehensive view of their avatar's movements and surroundings. The term "Third-Person Shooter" is showcased in titles that combine strategic gunplay with dynamic storytelling, creating an engaging fusion of action and narrative.

Credit: Josh Sorenson

Stemming from "Away From Keyboard" this term communicates a player's temporary absence from the game or activity. Whether taking a quick break or addressing real-life matters, going AFK is a common practice.

Saying you're AFK is a polite gesture, alerting teammates to your momentary absence and contributing to a good gaming environment.

Credit: Engin Akyurt

Within the world of gamers, "sandbox" denotes a genre and a style of play that transcends traditional constraints, offering players a virtual realm where creativity and exploration reign supreme.

A gaming "sandbox" provides an open-world environment where players can shape the narrative, mold the landscape, and define their unique adventures. This term has become emblematic of games that prioritize player agency, like Fortnite , GTA , and many others, granting them the freedom to influence the game world's development.

Credit: JESHOOTS.com

Fostering a courteous environment is paramount to any virtual community and, as we have seen, the gaming world is no stranger to this. In the succinct language of gamers, "GG" stands as a universally recognized expression that transcends its brevity. Derived from "Good Game," this term is a digital handshake, exchanged after a match to convey sportsmanship, respect, and acknowledgment of a well-played game.

More than a mere courtesy, "GG" replicates the essence of fair play and camaraderie within the gaming community. Whether typed in victory or defeat, it symbolizes the shared experience of competition, creating a virtual space where players connect through the unspoken language of sportsmanship.