How the world’s tallest skyscraper was built - Alex Gendler
- 869,778 Views
- 6,354 Questions Answered
- TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 2004, construction began on a new building in Dubai, promising a revolutionary design that would dwarf the rest of the world’s skyscrapers. Five years later, the 828-meter Burj Khalifa was complete, surpassing the previous record-holder by over 60%. What innovations allowed for such a huge leap in height? Alex Gendler digs into the architecture of this unprecedented project.
Create and share a new lesson based on this one.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
The architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which designed the Burj Khalifa, has more key facts and statistics on their website. You can also read more about skyscraper construction, the buttressed core design, and the innovations of Fazlur Khan, as well as the ongoing controversy over migrant rights in the Gulf.

TED-Ed
Lesson Creator
New York, NY
Create and share a new lesson based on this one.
More from The World's People and Places
244,085 views
396,830 views
657,059 views
770,844 views