Amazing Skyscrapers

This is the Shanghai World Financial Center, designed by ShanghaiKohn Pederson Fox Architects. It is now under construction, scheduled to be completed by 2008. Rising in the Lujiazhui financial district in Pudong, the Shanghai World Financial Center is said to be a "tower among towers." The elegant 101-story skyscraper will be (for a moment, at least) the world's tallest when completed in early 2008.
"One of the biggest challenges of building tall is creating a structure that can withstand high winds. The architects devised an innovation solution to alleviate wind pressure by adding a rectangular cut-out at the building's apex. Not only does the open area help reduce the building's sway but it also will be home to the world's highest outdoor observation deck -- a 100th-floor vista that will take vertigo to new heights."

Here's a pic I took when I was in the area. I guess the SWFC still has a long way to go. Erected behind it is the 88-storey Jin Mao tower, said to be the third tallest tower on Earth (so far). It was designed by SOM. Oh, the Grand Hyatt Hotel is located also here, occupying the 53rd up to the 87th floor. It is known to be the highest hotel in the world. I wonder how high also their room rates are.