From record-breaking heights to groundbreaking design, the world’s tallest buildings are more than architectural landmarks. They are feats of engineering that push the boundaries of construction, innovation, and long-term building maintenance. Rising hundreds of meters above city streets, these supertall skyscrapers symbolize economic growth, technological advancement, and human ambition. But reaching extraordinary heights comes with unique challenges. Wind loads, complex facade geometries, and ongoing maintenance requirements demand specialized engineering solutions throughout a building’s lifecycle. This is where facade access systems become essential. As a global leader in facade access technology, Facade Access Solutions helps building owners and facility managers maintain some of the world’s most complex structures through advanced Building Maintenance Units (BMUs), suspended access equipment, and lifecycle support services. The world’s tallest buildings stand as powerful symbols of innovation, ambition, and engineering excellence. While their striking designs and record-breaking heights attract global attention, their long-term success depends on sophisticated maintenance strategies and reliable facade access solutions that help preserve these iconic structures for decades to come.
Height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Burj Khalifa continues to hold the title of the world’s tallest building, dominating Dubai’s skyline since 2010. Its record-breaking height, sleek design, and mixed-use functionality have made it one of the most recognized structures on the planet. The tower is equipped with CoxGomyl BMUs engineered to provide safe and reliable facade access across the world’s tallest building. Designed to navigate the tower’s tapered form and changing floor plates, these systems support efficient inspection, cleaning, and maintenance while meeting the demanding requirements of this architectural icon.
Height: 678.9 meters (2,227 feet)
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Inspired by Malaysia’s journey to independence, Merdeka 118 combines cultural significance with cutting-edge engineering. Its striking angular facade has quickly transformed Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Manntech supplied the building’s advanced Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) system, designed to provide safe and efficient facade access across one of the world’s tallest and most architecturally distinctive skyscrapers.
Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
Location: Shanghai, China
Shanghai Tower’s distinctive spiraling design helps reduce wind forces while improving energy efficiency. The tower incorporates offices, hotels, retail space, and observation decks within one of the world’s most sophisticated vertical cities. The tower features an advanced Manntech Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) system that delivers complete facade coverage despite the building’s complex twisting geometry and limited rooftop space. Facade Access Solutions China is currently servicing the building.
Height: 601 m (1,972 ft)
Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Standing at 601 meters (1,972 feet), the Mecca Royal Clock Tower is the fourth tallest building in the world and one of Saudi Arabia’s most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 2012, it is part of the Abraj Al Bait complex overlooking the Masjid al-Haram and welcomes millions of pilgrims each year. The tower is famous for its giant clock faces, luxury hotel, Clock Tower Museum, and mixed-use facilities. Maintaining its expansive façade requires reliable access systems for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. Facade access systems were supplied by a local supplier, although no current information is available regarding the supplier.
Height: 599.1 meters (1,965 feet)
Location: Shenzhen, China
As one of China’s most prominent financial towers, Ping An Finance Center reflects Shenzhen’s rapid growth into a global business hub. Its streamlined profile and high-performance facade make it a standout feature of the city’s skyline. The building is equipped with Manntech Building Maintenance Units (BMUs), including eight concealed BMUs with single-knuckle jib and multi-function configurations that provide comprehensive facade access while remaining hidden from view when not in operation. Facade Access Solutions China is currently servicing the building. Read more on our Facade Access Solution website.
Height: 554.5 meters (1,819 feet)
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World Tower combines luxury, commerce, and hospitality within a sleek vertical structure inspired by traditional Korean art and craftsmanship. The building remains one of the defining landmarks of South Korea. The tower features Manntech BMUs designed to provide complete facade coverage while complementing the building’s elegant, tapered profile. The customized access solution supports the safe and efficient inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of one of South Korea’s tallest skyscrapers.
Height: 541.3 meters (1,776 feet)
Location: New York City, United States
One World Trade Center represents renewal, strength, and innovation. Built as the centerpiece of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex, the tower incorporates advanced safety and sustainability features. The building is equipped with CoxGomyl facade access systems designed to provide safe and reliable access for inspection and maintenance across its iconic exterior. Today, Facade Access Solutions NAM continues to support the building through ongoing service and maintenance, helping ensure long-term performance and reliability.
Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
Location: Guangzhou, China
Designed to accommodate offices, residences, and hospitality spaces, Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre showcases modern mixed-use skyscraper design. Facade Access Solutions China is currently servicing the building. The tower is equipped with a sophisticated Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) system featuring three-stage telescopic jibs with up to 19.4 meters of outreach, enabling safe and efficient access across the building’s sleek facade while minimizing the visual impact of the equipment.
Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
Location: Tianjin, China
Featuring an aerodynamic form designed to reduce wind loads, Tianjin CTF Finance Centre demonstrates how engineering and architecture can work together to achieve extraordinary height. Facade Access Solutions China is currently servicing the building. To provide complete facade coverage, the tower uses multiple BMUs, including a roof-mounted unit with a five-stage telescopic jib and additional BMUs positioned at strategic levels throughout the building to support efficient cleaning and maintenance of its curved exterior.
Height: 527.7 meters (1,731 feet)
Location: Beijing, China
Commonly known as China Zun, CITIC Tower features a distinctive profile inspired by traditional Chinese ceremonial vessels and has become a defining landmark within Beijing’s central business district. The tower is equipped with custom CoxGomyl Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) designed to provide complete facade access while minimizing their visual impact and complementing the building’s distinctive curved architectural form.
Height: 508 meters (1,667 feet)
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 remains a benchmark for earthquake-resistant and typhoon-resistant skyscraper design. Its innovative engineering continues to influence tall building construction around the globe. CoxGomyl designed and supplied a sophisticated facade access system capable of delivering complete facade coverage across the tower’s distinctive stepped architecture and 101 floors. The customized solution enables safe and efficient maintenance while preserving the building’s iconic design.
Height: 492 meters (1,614 feet)
Location: Shanghai, China
Known for its distinctive trapezoidal opening near the top, Shanghai World Financial Center remains one of Asia’s most recognizable skyscrapers. Facade Access Solutions China is currently servicing the building. The tower is equipped with 20 Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) systems that provide 100% facade coverage, enabling safe and reliable access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance across one of China’s most iconic skyscrapers.
Height: 484 meters (1,588 feet)
Location: Hong Kong, China International Commerce
Centre stands as a major commercial and hospitality hub in one of the world’s leading financial centers. Its prominent waterfront location makes it one of the most recognizable structures overlooking Victoria Harbour. The tower is equipped with 10 CoxGomyl roof-mounted Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) featuring telescopic masts and jibs engineered to provide complete facade coverage. The customized systems enable safe and efficient access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance across one of Hong Kong’s tallest buildings.
While height often captures attention, maintaining these skyscrapers presents an entirely different challenge. Facade inspections, glass replacement, cleaning, and repairs must be carried out safely at extreme elevations and across increasingly complex building geometries. This is where advanced facade access systems become essential. Building Maintenance Units (BMUs), monorails, davits, and other specialized solutions enable maintenance teams to safely access every part of a building’s exterior while meeting stringent safety standards.
As cities continue to build upward, the importance of long-term building maintenance grows alongside them. The world’s tallest buildings are designed to inspire, but their continued performance depends on reliable access solutions that support inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and repair throughout their lifecycle. For many of these iconic structures, facade access systems are just as important as the architectural and structural elements that define their skylines. Safe and efficient access enables building owners to protect valuable assets, extend service life, and maintain the appearance and performance expected of world-class developments. With decades of experience supporting landmark buildings around the globe, Facade Access Solutions continues to help owners and facility managers meet the unique challenges of maintaining supertall structures. As skyscrapers reach ever-greater heights, innovative facade access solutions will remain a critical part of ensuring these engineering achievements stand the test of time.
Speak with our specialists to explore the right solution for your building.
Request a Quote TodayThe Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is currently the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet). Since its completion in 2010, it has remained the benchmark for supertall skyscraper design and engineering.
China is home to many of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, including Shanghai Tower, Ping An Finance Center, Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, CITIC Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center. Its rapid urban development has helped establish some of the most impressive skylines in the world.
Supertall buildings require regular inspections, facade cleaning, repairs, and preventive maintenance to ensure safety and performance. Building owners rely on specialized facade access systems, such as Building Maintenance Units (BMUs), monorails, and suspended platforms, to safely reach exterior surfaces at extreme heights. Facade Access Solutions supports these maintenance activities through advanced access equipment and lifecycle services designed for complex high-rise structures.
A Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) is a permanent facade access system designed to provide safe access to a building’s exterior. BMUs are commonly used on high-rise and supertall buildings for window cleaning, facade inspections, maintenance, and repair work. Facade Access Solutions designs, supplies, and services BMUs that help building owners maintain safe and efficient access throughout a structure’s lifecycle.
Facade access systems are essential for maintaining the safety, appearance, and longevity of skyscrapers. Without reliable access equipment, routine inspections and maintenance activities would be difficult, costly, and potentially unsafe. Facade Access Solutions provides facade access technologies that help building owners safely perform critical maintenance while protecting the long-term value of their assets.
Maintenance schedules vary depending on local regulations, environmental conditions, and building design. Many high-rise and supertall buildings undergo routine facade inspections, cleaning, and maintenance several times each year to preserve safety, performance, and appearance. Facade Access Solutions works with building owners and facility managers to support ongoing maintenance programs through equipment inspections, modernization, and service solutions.
