Skyscrapers today has become a very common criteria in defining a metropolis but do you know that skyscrapers ain't that old and that time it was very rare to build skyscrapers initially but now they are everywhere.
Skyscrapers are the one that gives a beauty to a modern city by defining its magnificent looking skyline. And when we think of skyline we thinks of Manhattan but today almost every US cities and many cities around the world are filled with skylines. Like Dubai, Shanghai and many others have now become a powerhouse in terms of skyscrapers.
So in order to honor this architectural marvel and feat of engineering the United States celebrates its National Skyscraper Day annually on 3rd September.
| Event | National Skyscraper Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 3, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | This stunning skyline is honored and celebrated |
| Observed by | United States |
National Skyscraper Day History:
Skyscrapers isn't that old if you look into history although historically there were many tall structures like pyramids, towers and lighthouses but tall buildings only started to appear in recent history.
The world's first skyscraper was only set up in 1884 and it was in Chicago's Home Insurance Building built in Chicago. And this building was only 138 feet tall and by modern standards it wouldn't be even considered a proper skyscraper as 492 feet is the required number now. But at that time it was called as the world's first skyscraper.
But soon after the first skyscraper was built it didn't took that long before many skyscrapers started appearing and in the United States the financial capital New York started to win this race especially through the Manhattan area. Other cities like Chicago and San Francisco started giving tough competition too. Los Angeles from the start only didn't considered much about skyscrapers.
Then the Empire State Building came into operations in New York and remain the tallest building of the world for the longest time for about 40 years. But as we know now that Burj Khalifa is the tallest building as of today with a height of 828 metre or 2,417 feet.
September 3rd was chosen because it’s the birthday of Louis H. Sullivan, who is known as the “father of skyscrapers.”As he is believed to have designed the first skyscrapers.
National Skyscraper Day Significance:
Skyscrapers was started in the United States and at one point in history the US had the monopoly in terms of skyscrapers in the world and that's why it is also a proud moment for all the engineers to build these architectural marvels especially in those times and hence they must be respected.
Today the criteria for skyscrapers has elevated as any building with or above height of 150 metres or 492 feet is considered a skyscraper. And US still has the most skyscrapers in the world according to this criteria but China is catching up fast and it is expected to cross US and this will the first time when US will lose its first position since skyscrapers were introduced.
Despite the fact that US may longer not have monopoly in skyscrapers like it used to once as because of access of technology and engineering to whole world now everyone is building it especially the Asian countries are showing a very good rising trend in terms of skyscrapers. But still skyscrapers are the life of cities in US and the world.
Even if you are nature lover and don't like skyscrapers or concrete stuffs but you can't deny that skyscrapers are the soul of cities especially mega cities. We can't imagine a city without a skyline today. And skyscrapers are very important too as it saves our land by accommodating large amount of people in a limited space.
National Skyscraper Day Facts:
Now let's learn some interesting facts about thse tall marvellous structures called skyscrapers:
- Chicago's life insurance building built in 1884 is considered as the world's first skyscraper.
- The word skyscraper did not always refer to tall buildings. During the 1800s they were used to refer tall man and hat as well.
- A 57-storey skyscraper in China was built in just 19 days and still holds the record for fastest construction.
- Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world than any other city at 308 presently.
- Buildings above 300 metres are called Supertall and above 600 metres are called Megatall.
Most Searched FAQs on National Skyscraper Day:
1. When is National Skyscraper Day is celebrated?
National Skyscraper Day is celebrated annually on 3rd September.
2. Who is considered as the "father of skyscrapers"?
Louis H. Sullivan is considered as the "father of skyscrapers."
3. Which is the world's first skyscraper?
Chicago's life insurance building built in 1884 is considered as world's first skyscraper.