Defining the vertical limit: What truly constitutes a skyscraper?

Technology · Published 1 November 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The term 'skyscraper' feels intuitive, but its technical definition varies by region and era. This video explores the architectural standards and engineering milestones that separate a tall building from a true skyscraper.

The video examines the specific criteria used to classify buildings as skyscrapers, looking at how these definitions have evolved over time. It provides context on the architectural history and structural requirements necessary to achieve extreme height, featuring work by notable figures such as Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture.

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