Through The Roof: The World's Coolest Buildings

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Upon its opening at the start of 2010, the Burj Khalifa building broke many world records, including being the tallest manmade structure in the world. This massive skyscraper stands at 2,723 feet, and has a record 163 floors. American Adrian Smith was the chief architect on this behemoth, completing the project with a total cost of about $1.5 billion. Even the elevators in the Burj Khalifa are record breaking; they travel up and down at 40 mph. Unfortunately the global financial crisis coincided with the buildings opening, causing an excess of vacancies in both office space, and apartments. Regardless, the Burj Khalifa helped Dubai gain significant international recognition, increasing tourism, and really putting Dubai on the map. If you visit make sure to check out the world's highest restaurant on the 122nd floor, as well as the world's highest nightclub on the 144th floor. [Photo via]