Do you need some inspiration for your next project? If so, check out this list of the top twelve construction projects of all time. These feats of engineering are something to which you can aspire. Perhaps one day, your small business will grow to the point that we’ll be writing a blog post about a project that you completed!

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

1) Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Dubai has undergone considerable development over the past few decades, so it’s no surprise to see them on our list. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest human-made structure in the world, standing more than 2,723 feet tall. The skyscraper stands as the centerpiece in a community of mix-use development, consisting of:

  • Hotels
  • Apartments
  • Malls
  • Homes
  • Parks
Palm Island, Dubai

2) Palm Island, Dubai 

Perhaps more well known than the Burj Khalifa is Palm Island. This beautiful structure really is an amazing project. To create this structure, contractors had to dredge tons of sand while also pouring concrete supports. The human-made island became an instant tourist attraction and is one of the must-see attractions when visiting Dubai.

 

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Hong Kong

3) Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Hong Kong 

This bridge and tunnel system connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, all of which are located in the Pearl River Delta of East Asia. This structure recently opened after nearly a decade of construction. The bridge spans almost 30 miles and is designed to last for at least 120 years.

 

China Central Television Headquarters, Beijing

4) China Central Television Headquarters, Beijing 

This ‘three-dimensional cranked loop’ building provides a futuristic look into what our cities could one day look like. The building is more than 54 stories and is covered in gorgeous black glass. This gravity defying structure has redefined the traditional form of skyscrapers.

 

Eiffel Tower

5) Eiffel Tower 

Our trip around the world takes us to Paris, where the Eiffel Tower has stood for more than 130 years. Made of wrought iron, it is the second tallest building in France, checking in at more than 1,060 feet. Builders put the tower together by joining more than 18,000 separate pieces, using approximately 2.5 million rivets.

 

One World Trade Center, New York

6) One World Trade Center, New York 

This building, which cost nearly $4 billion to complete, stands 1,776 feet tall, and is a tribute to America. Developers broke ground on this project five years after the 9/11 attack on New York City.

 

Empire State Building, New York

7) Empire State Building, New York 

Another iconic building in New York, the Empire State Building is shorter than One World Trade Center by standing 1,454 feet tall. Construction on this project took place in the early 1930s. For nearly 40 years, it stood as the tallest building in New York City.

 

US Interstate Project

8) US Interstate Project 

While it’s easy to marvel at skyscrapers, one of the most impressive construction projects in the United States was the US Interstate Project. The plan includes nearly 48,000 miles of highway. Construction took place from 1956 – 1992.

 

Regatta Hotel Complex, Jakarta

9) Regatta Hotel Complex, Jakarta

The Regatta Hotel Complex is easily one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It features a nautical theme, appropriate because it overlooks the Java Sea. An aquatic park is part of the hotel.

 

World One, Mumbai

10) World One, Mumbai 

World One is a residential skyscraper in India, containing 117 floors and 18 elevators. The construction of this building was finished last year. Upon completion, it became the world’s tallest residential skyscraper. It stands a total of 1,450 feet tall.

Great Man-Made River Project, Libya

11) Great Man-Made River Project, Libya

Construction on this massive irrigation system began in 1985. Irrigation pipes were installed underneath the sand of the Sahara Desert, transporting more than 1.7 billion gallons of water daily.

Songdo International Business District, South Korea

12) Songdo International Business District, South Korea

This project saw contractors build an entire business district from scratch on reclaimed land. The project provided South Korea with tens of thousands of buildings for offices, retail space, and homes.