supertall

Supertall refers to a class of skyscrapers defined by height. In common practice, a building is labeled supertall if it reaches at least 300 meters (984 feet) in height. Buildings that are 600 meters (1,969 feet) or taller are typically categorized as megatall. The designation is part of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) taxonomy, which is widely used in architectural and engineering contexts.

Height measurement for these buildings follows CTBUH conventions. Architectural height includes the main visible structure and any spires or permanent architectural features, but antennas, masts, and similar additions are not counted. This approach emphasizes the building’s integrated design rather than purely functional protrusions.

Supertall buildings are concentrated in major urban centers with rapid development and large-scale construction programs, particularly in East Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe and North America. Their construction reflects advances in structural engineering, wind resistance, deep foundations, high-strength concrete and steel, and advanced elevator technology, enabling many floors of usable space at extreme heights.

Examples of notable supertall buildings include the Ping An Finance Center in Shenzhen, at 599 meters; the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, at 555 meters; One World Trade Center in New York City, at 541 meters; and the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, at about 530 meters. These projects illustrate the range of design approaches and urban roles that supertall buildings can assume, from corporate headquarters to mixed-use landmarks.