5 Skyscrapers We Can't Wait to See Complete in 2019

A NUMBER of impressive skyscrapers are set to complete next year, and while none of them will match Dubai's Burj Khalifa for height, we are sure you'll agree that the class of 2019 have plenty of other impressive qualities.

Here, after much debate amongst The B1M team, we have selected our five most-anticipated skyscraper completions in the year ahead.

They're not ranked in any particular order, nor are they the tallest five structures to complete in 2019 - but we believe they best reflect the current trends in architectural design, engineering, construction and development.

111W57 - NEW YORK

Above: A render showing 111 West 57th in Manhattan (courtesy of SHoP Architects ).

The tallest residential skyscraper to complete next year will be the 435 metre (1,428 feet) "111 West 57th Street" - or 111W57 - on New York's Billionaire Row, which began construction in 2014.

Designed by SHoP Architects, the building will also become the world's thinnest skyscraper with a width-to-height ratio of just 1:24.

Above: A mock-up of the facade of 111 West 57th (image courtesy of JDSConstruction Group). 

Previously called the Steinway Tower, the supertall skyscraper features an intricate terracotta and glass facade and an 800-tonne tuned mass damper.

The 82-storey high-rise boasts countless amenities, including an outdoor terrace and a residents-only pool.

ONE PARK DRIVE - LONDON

Above: A render of One Park Drive (courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron ).

While 22 Bishopsgate will be the tallest new skyscraper to complete in London next year, we have chosen the 215 metre (405 feet) "One Park Drive" for our list.

The cylindrical residential tower features a pixelated facade which creates private balconies and terraces for future inhabitants.

Above: One Park Drive under construction (image courtesy of Fred Mills).

Forming part of the broader Wood Wharf development, the tower was designed by the Swiss practice Herzog and De Meuron and will offer 483 luxury apartments upon completion.

The project reflects the growing trend of luxury residential skyscrapers across the world, as well as architects exploring alternatives to smooth glass-clad towers.

RAFFLES CITY - CHONGQING

Above: A promotional video showcasing the Raffles City Chonqing development ( courtesy of CapitaLand Malls).

Chinese cities continue to grow at a rapid pace, and Chongqing is no exception. Located at the confluence of Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Raffles City Chongqing, designed by Safdie Architects, is one of the city's largest building projects.

Above: Raffles City Chongqing under construction (image courtesy of Safdie Architects).

Comprising six towers, four of which are linked by a "sky conservatory", the complex also contains retail units, a hotel, offices and apartments.

Although the project just about makes it into the supertall category - its two tallest towers are exactly 350 metres (1,148 feet) tall - the project includes a staggering 1,124,260 square metres (12,209,000 square feet) of floor space and cost an estimated USD $4.9 billion to construct. 

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SQUARE - SUZHOU

Above: Suzhou's International Finance Square (image courtesy of Kohn Pedersen Fox).

The tallest skyscraper to complete next year will be the 450 metre (1,476 feet) tall Suzhou International Financial Square.

Featuring a sleek silhouette, the building was designed by international practice Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), and includes offices, a hotel and apartments.

TORRES OBISPADO - MONTERREY

Above: Construction progress on Torres Obispado in Monterrey ( courtesy of Vilavicentum ).

The tallest building in Mexico, the Torres Obispado in Monterrey, will officially complete next year.

Standing 304.8 metres (1,000 feet) tall, it will contain a luxury hotel with 176 rooms and offices.

Above: A render of Torres Obispado, Mexico's tallest building (image courtesy of Torres Obispado).

The complex, designed by local practice Pozas Arquitecto, began construction in 2016 and is part of the city's rapid growth, affirming its importance as one of Latin America's most dynamic, up-and-coming cities.

Look out for coverage of these schemes and more on The B1M in 2019! Subscribe to ensure you never miss a video.

Look back at last year's list here.