Skyscrapers: Asia, Middle East are growth centers
The world tallest building is Taipei 101, a 1,671-foot tall skyscraper in Taiwan (pictured at left). However, the New York Times reports that Shanghai World Financial Center is edging its way higher. After a five-year construction delay, Japanese developer Minoru Mori is adding seven floors to the tower in an effort to pass Taipei 101. When completed, Shanghai World Financial Center hopes to be 1,509 feet tall. Meanwhile, a Middle East competitor -- Burj Dubai Skyscraper -- may makes its rivals appear diminutive. When workers finish that $800 million project, designed by Chicago's Skidmore, Owens and Merrill in 2009 or 2010, it promises to 2,300 feet high.