As long as there have been buildings mankind has sought to construct its way to the heavens. From stone pyramids to steel skyscrapers, successive generations of designers have devised ever more innovative ways to push the vertical boundaries of architecture. Whether stone or steel, however, each attempt to reach unprecedented heights has represented a vast undertaking in terms of both materials and labor ? and the more complex the project, the greater the chance for things to go awry.

Torre Velasca. Image © José Tomás Franco

As long as there have been buildings mankind has sought to construct its way to the heavens. From stone pyramids to steel skyscrapers, successive generations of designers have devised ever more innovative ways to push the vertical boundaries of architecture. Whether stone or steel, however, each attempt to reach unprecedented heights has represented a vast undertaking in terms of both materials and labor ? and the more complex the project, the greater the chance for things to go awry.
Ryugyong Hotel. Image © José Tomás Franco

Ryugyong Hotel / Baikdoosan ArchitectsEnvisioned as a glorious statement for and by the Democratic People?s Republic of Korea (DPRK)?North Korea?the Ryugyong Hotel was to have been the tallest hotel in the world. When work began on the tower in 1987, speculation abounded as to what prompted its construction: some believed it wa...