European Union Hosts Only 7 of the World's 1,000 Tallest Buildings

As of January 2024, only seven of the world's 1,000 tallest buildings are located in the European Union. This statistic highlights a significant disparity in skyscraper development between the EU and other regions globally.

The United Kingdom, although no longer part of the EU, has 155 habitable buildings that are at least 100 meters tall, with 118 of those in London. The Shard in Southwark, London, stands being the tallest completed building in the UK at 310 meters.

Why this matters: The limited presence of extremely tall buildings in the European Union raises questions about the region's economic and urban development compared to other parts of the world. This disparity could have implications for the EU's competitiveness, urban planning, and architectural innovation.

Historically, the UK's tallest structures were cathedrals, church spires, and industrial chimneys. Lincoln Cathedral held the title of the tallest building in the UK (and the world) for several centuries, reaching a height of 160 meters in 1311.

Modern high-rise development in the UK has been concentrated in London. The top five tallest office buildings in the UK are all located in the City of London and Canary Wharf, including 22 Bishopsgate at 278 meters and One Canada Square at 235 meters.

The tallest residential buildings in the UK also highlight London's dominance, with the Landmark Pinnacle at 233 meters and Newfoundland Quay at 220 meters leading the list. Manchester's Deansgate Square South Tower is the tallest residential building outside London at 201 meters.

Future developments indicate that Birmingham will soon join London and Manchester with skyscrapers taller than 150 meters. Projects like Octagon and One Eastside are currently under construction and expected to reach 155 meters.

Other UK cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Brighton and Hove, and Portsmouth also have notable tall buildings approved or under construction. As of May 2023, there are 45 habitable buildings at least 100 meters tall under construction in the UK, with 25 in London.

Despite these developments, the limited number of extremely tall buildings in the European Union contrasts sharply with other regions worldwide. This raises questions about the factors influencing skyscraper construction in Europe compared to Asia and North America.

Key Takeaways

• Only 7 of the world's 1,000 tallest buildings are in the European Union.
• The UK has 155 habitable buildings over 100m tall, with 118 in London.
• The Shard in London is the UK's tallest building at 310m.
• London dominates UK high-rise development, with 25 buildings over 100m under construction.
• EU's limited skyscraper development raises questions about economic and urban competitiveness.