Top 10 Historical Buildings Of Pakistan

Top TEN buildings in Pakistan:


1: Mazar-e-Quaid
2: Ali Masjid
3: Bab-e-Pakistan
4: Minar-e-Pakistan
5: Pakistan Monument
6: Lahore Fort
7: Shalimar Bagh
8: Quaid\'s Residency
9: Iqbal\'s Tomb
10: Islamia College

1. Mazar-e-Quaid

Situated in Karachi, Mazar-e-Quaid is the tomb of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Established in 1970, the tomb is an iconic representation of the city of Karachi. Every year, on national holidays, the site is visited by prominent leaders to pray tribute to Jinnah. Not only the founder, but other prominent leaders, namely Liaqat Ali Khan, Abdur Rab Nishtar, Fatima Jinnah, and Nur-ul-Amin are also buried in the same mausoleum.

2: Ali Masjid

Ali Masjid is a mosque situated along the Khyber Pass that snakes through the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to the legend, the mosque derives its name from the Islamic caliph, Hazrat Ali; local traditions put that he traveled the area. True or false, the mosque gives a spectacular image and serves as a stopping point along the way, which has served as a gateway to the empires.

3: Bab-e-Pakistan:

Although not completed, the Bab-e-Pakistan monument seeks to honor the thousands of Muslim families who chose to migrate to the newly-created state of Pakistan in 1947. The monument is located in Lahore and the plan was originally conceived under the military regime of Zia-ul-Haq. Subsequent political tussles couldn't materialize its construction in time and the project is still in process at the moment.

4: Minar-e-Pakistan:

Literally meaning the “Tower of Pakistan,” the Minar was completed during a span of eight years from 1960 to 1968. The monument is located on the same grounds where the famous Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940. The Resolution demanded separate states for the Muslims of the then-India, thus fusing the creation of Pakistan with the minaret. Such has been its importance that when Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee came to Pakistan, he visited the tower which washed away any misconception of India's reluctance in accepting Pakistan as a state.

5: Pakistan Monument:

Completed in three years from 2004 to 2007, the Pakistan Monument is a symbolic representation of the four provinces of the country. Situated in Islamabad at a public park, the Monument attracts visitors who are amazed at its architectural brilliance. The interior of its huge petals is decorated with beautiful Islamic murals.

6: Lahore Fort:

As the name suggests, this fort is situated in the city of Lahore – in fact, it is one of the prized buildings of the walled-city of Lahore or Old Lahore. Although the origins of the fort are older, the present structure is said to have been built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The Fort itself acted as a geo-strategic site that met Kashmir, the Afghan areas, and Multan. Decorated with Mughal architecture, the Fort complex includes such architectural marvels as Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) and Badshahi Mosque.

7: Shalimar Bagh:

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Shalamar Bagh is one of the most beautiful sites in Pakistan. Its gardens and refreshing fountains attract a large number of visitors. The site consists of three levels of garden terraces which were watered by a canal; which also waters the exquisite marble terrace. It has a total of 410 fountains at all levels and a large variety of fruit trees.

8:Quaid_Residency:

Situated in Ziarat, a hill station in Balochistan province, the Residency was where Pakistan's founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent the last days of his life. The ailing Jinnah was recommended a rest and Ziarat was the best choice for its fragrance and fresh mountain air. There, the Residency, a wooden structure, provided the founder with the perfect retreat.

9: Iqbal\'s Tomb:

The tomb of Allama Muhammad Iqbal at Lahore is an important national monument. The tomb is located in the Hazuri Bagh between the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque. Set in beautiful red sandstone, Iqbal’s importance to Pakistan renders this building historical significance.


10: Islamia College:

Situated in Peshawar, Islamia College was established in 1913 by Nawab Sir Sahabzada Abdul Qayyum and Sir George Roos Kepel. The idea of Abdul Qayyum, an educationist-cum-politician, was to build an educational institute that imparts modern education to the Muslims. Later on, the students of Islamia College played an important role in the movement of independence for Pakistan; even Jinnah visited the College thrice.

Top 20 Tallest Buildings in the World

1. The world’s tallest skyscraper – Burj Khalifa of Dubai

This is the highest standing structure in the world to date, 828m in height and featuring 900 apartments. The construction began in January 2004, and opened to public on January the 4^th, 2010. The building is a true expression of ambition, eccentricity and opulence, being the symbol of Dubai and receiving millions of visitors from around the world. Total cost for its construction was $1.5 billion.

2. Chinese wonder – Taipei 101 Tower

The building is located in Taipei, Taiwan (China), the 508 meters high building was not so long ago being known as Taipei World Financial Center. It has 101 floors, and an additional 5 floors underground. There are many world renowned corporations that hold their offices here, such as Starbucks, L’Oreal Taiwan or ABN Amro Bank. Construction began in 1999, and it was officially opened on New Year’s Eve 2004. Total cost: $1.80 billion.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center – China’s all purpose structure

The building is 492 meters high, and it was constructed between 1997 and 2008, for a total cost of $1.20 billion. It has 101 floors, and the building features hotels, restaurants, conference rooms, shopping malls, museums, parking lots, and many more.

What is interesting is that although it is the third tallest building in the world, it features the highest observation deck opened for public in the world at 474 meters on the 100^th floor (Burj Khalifa’s highest deck is at 452 meters, on the 124^th floor).

4. The International Commerce Center of Hong Kong

This is the highest skyscraper of Hong Kong, with 484 meters and 118 floors. Construction began as early as 2002, and it was finished in 2010. Initially, the project architects wanted the building to be 574 meters, but according to some regulations in force, no building is allowed to be higher than the neighboring mountains.

5. Twin magnificence: The Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur

 The twin towers of Kuala Lumpur are 454 meters in height and both have 88 floors. They were the highest standing architectural wonders up until 2004, when Taipei 101 Tower of China took over the record. As twin buildings however, they still keep the world record. They were constructed between 1992 and 1998 at a cost of $1.6 billion. The building serves mainly for commercial purposes, being largely used for smaller and enterprise level offices.

6. Nanjing Greenland Financial Center

 Located in the city of Nanjing in China, the structure is 450 meters high, and has 89 stories. It is mainly used for commercial purposes, retail and enterprise offices. It has been constructed for a period of 5 years (2005-2010), with leading architect Adrian Smith who also worked together with Marshall Strabala for the design of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

7. Sears Tower: long standing opulence in Chicago USA

Its actual name is Willis Tower, but it is commonly known as Sears Tower. It is 442 meters high and it has 108 levels. Sears was completed in 1974, at the time being the tallest building in the World. Still holding the 7^th place in the world after 30+ years of developments in technology is quite a respectable record.

8. Guangzhou West Tower – China

It is 438 meters high, and it has 103 stories. Construction started in 2005, and it was opened for use in 2010. The building has 4 underground floors, additional to the 103 from the ground up. Leading architect was Wilkinson Eyre who also designed the wonderful Gateshead Millennium Bridge in Newcastle.

9. Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago)

The magnate’s signatures can also be seen in Honolulu, Toronto, New Orleans and Dubai, but the one in Chicago is the tallest, at 423 meters in height. It has 98 floors, and it was completed in 2009. The building comprises mainly of hotels, restaurants, condominiums and other commercial spaces.

Its total cost for completion was $847 millions. However, the building does not feature any five star hotel, restaurant, or spas (according to Forbes Travel Guide of 2010).

10. Jin Mao Tower – one of China’s prides in terms of architecture

Jin Mao tower in Pudong district of Shanghai is currently the 10^th tallest building in the world. It is 421 meters high, with 88 floors, and construction finished in 1999. Leading architect for the project is famous Adrian Smith and the then company he worked at (SOM- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill).

 

11. Two International Finance Center

 Located in the Center district of Hong Kong, the building is 417 meters high and it has 88 floors. It has been constructed between 1997 and 2003, and its main uses are office and retail. It is also equipped with double deck elevators for even more transportation efficiency inside the building.

12. Kuwait City’s Skyscraper – Al Hamra Tower

This tower is located in Kuwait and is 412 meters high. It has 77 floors, and was completed in 2010. The architectural firm that designed it, is reputable Skidmore, Owings and Merill (SOM) who together with Adrian Smith have also designed Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It is a commercial complex comprising of office buildings, shopping malls, theatres, and spas.

13. CITIC Plaza- China

The building is located in Guangzhou area in China. It is 391 meters tall, and it has 80 floors. CITIC Plaza is actually the tallest building in the world made of concrete (all the others make use of lightweight building materials, which is required for such tall structure buildings). Built between 1993 and 1996, it opened for public in 1997.

14. Shun Hing Square- the tallest building of Shenzen, China

It is 384 meters tall, with 69 floors, and the structure was completed in 1996. The structure is destined for mixed use, both commercial and residential featuring very nice apartments. However, the title of tallest building in Shenzen will be retained only for a few months more, since Kingkey Finance Tower is under construction currently in the neighborhood (will be 439 meters tall).

15. Empire State Building – New York’s Skyscraper

381 meters high, with 102 stories, and finished over 8 decades ago, in 1931. It has been the world’s tallest building for well over 40 years, up until 1972 when the WTC Northern Tower was built up.

Currently undergoing renovations with an estimate of almost $600 million, the Empire State Building is still the most beautiful landmark of New York built in Art Deco style. Main architects working at the project: Shreve, Lamb and Harmon.

16. The twin complex of Dubai – Emirates Park Tower 1 and 2

This is a complex in Dubai, with a postmodern architectural style, with each tower being 370 meters tall and having 70 floors above ground (and seven underground levels). The South tower opens in 2011, but the North tower will open only in 2013.

The towers are part of the Mariott International hotels, and both towers will have around 1,600 rooms. When it will be finished completely, it will become the world’s highest hotel (title currently held by the Rose Tower, Dubai).

17. Central Plaza Hong Kong

Central Plaza Hong Kong it is 374 meters tall and it has 78 floors, and it is actually the third tallest free standing building of the city. Constructed between 1989 and 1992, it has been opened for public in 1995. Among a few interesting features, the skyscraper has a huge neon clock installed on the roof top, at every quarter of the hour displaying different colors, and within the building one can find the world’s highest situated church (Sky City Church).

18. Bank of China Tower

Located in Hong Kong, this skyscraper is 367 meters high, has 70 floors, and construction has been finished in 1990. The building has a very special design, the tall structure actually resembles the bamboo shoots that are growing- and this symbolically stands for prosperity and constant renewal in the Feng Shui tradition.

 

19. Bank of America Tower

 Situated in New York City, this skyscraper is 366 meters high and has 54 floors. It was constructed between 204 and 2009 and cost was $1 billion. The structure is actually one of the most eco friendly structures in the world with floor to ceiling glass structures and a system that collects rain water and recycles it for reuse within the building.

20. Almas Tower – Dubai

 

Built between 2005 and 2009, at 363 meters tall this skyscraper has 70 floors above the ground and 5 underground floors. The building is mostly commercial in profile with office spaces and other commercial spots.

A super high standard security level is implemented here, since foreign exchange, precious gem industry (diamond cutting and pearl exchange) and many other financial transactions are very frequent here. “Alma” in Arabic actually means “Diamond”, hence the naming of the tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jumeirah Garden City: Marvelous Manhattan of Dubai

Meraas Development has burst on to Dubai’s property stage with the announcement of its first-ever project worth a staggering Dh350 billion (approx. $95bn). Meraas Development has commissioned Chicago architect Adrian Smith from Gordan Gill Architecture to design four new projects as part of the Jumeirah Garden master plan. The master plan includes 1 Dubai, 1 Park Avenue, Park Gate and Meraas Tower, One of tallest building in world with varied micro climates and a mini-Manhattan.

The project aims to cater to a population of 50,000 to 60,000 residents.

The announcement comes amid a global market crash that has shattered investor confidence worldwide, but goes on to show that Dubai is determined to continue with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The development will redefine living in one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Dubai, currently undergoing demolition to pave the way for the new project.

The project will comprise seven distinct areas, taking up approximately 110 million square feet of land, including the islands. One section will host Dubai Park, which will be half the size of Safa Park.

Phase one of Jumeirah Gardens will cover around 820,000 square metres. It will comprise six main blocks of high-, mid- and low-rise office, retail and residential buildings, two hotels and a high-end shopping area.

Handover of phase one is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2011, and completion is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013.

“Every great city has a great park. London has its Hyde Park, New York has its Central Park. This will be Dubai Park,” Sina Al Kazim, chief executive of Meraas Development, told Gulf News. The park will be surrounded on all sides by residential apartments, duplexes, penthouses, villas and commercial buildings.

Meraas is planning at least eight landmark buildings in Jumeirah Gardens, including One Dubai, One Park Avenue and Park Gate, which will have six buildings.

The islands will be made up of East Bay and Coastal, predominantly residential, but will also include hotels and resorts.

Top 10 Tallest Buildings in Dubai

Top 10 tallest buildings in Dubai


1.
Emirates Office Tower
355.00
2.
Burj al Arab
321.00
3.
Emirates Hotel Tower
309.00
4.
21st Century Tower
269.00
5.
Chelsea Tower
251.00
6.
The Tower
243.00
7.
Shangri-La Hotel
196.00
8.
Capricorn Tower
185.00
9.
Murjan Tower
185.00
10.
Mesk Tower
185.00

01. Emirates Office Tower

After i’ve posted pictures about Dubai Projects, i saw that this topic has an huge succes.An i decided to stay on topic and put new things about Dubai.Now we present “Top 10 tallest buildings in Dubai”.

02. Burj al Arab

03. Emirates Hotel Tower

04. 21st Century Tower

05. Chelsea Tower

06. The Tower

07. Shangri-La Hotel

08. Capricorn Tower

09 & 10) Murjan and Mesk Tower