While today's skyscrapers are being made out of a variety of new materials, we wanted to look at the top 10 buildings that utilized steel as their main vertical and lateral structural elements.

The US Bank Tower - Los Angeles, USA

The US Bank Tower in Los Angeles was completed in 1989 and until recently it was the tallest building in California and Los Angeles. The building  is 1,018 feet (310 meters) tall and features 73 stories above ground and two parking levels underground. 

The New York Times Building - New York City, USA

Completed in 2007, the 52-story tower measures 1,046 ft (319 m) tall and contains 23,500 tons of steel. 

The Chrysler Building - New York City, USA

Built in 1930, the Chrysler Building measures at 1,046 feet (319 m) and was the world's tallest building for only 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. It is however, still the tallest brick building in the world with a steel structure. 

China World Trade Centre III - Beijing, China

Resembling the former World Trade Centres in New York, the China World Trade Centre III measures 1083 ft (330 m) high and was completed in 2010. 

Minsheng Bank Building - Wuhan, China

Completed in 2007, the 68-story Minsheng Bank Building is 1086 ft (331 m) tall and the headquarters for one of the country's largest private banks.

The John Handcock Centre - Chicago, USA

At the time of completion in 1968, the John Handcock Centre was the second tallest building in the world and the tallest outside of New York City.  It stands at 1,500 ft (457 m) tall and is the fourth-tallest building in Chicago and the eight-tallest in the United States. 

The Center - Central Hong Kong, China

While the 1,135 ft (346 m) tall building casts the sun beautifully during the day, the skyscraper becomes truly mesmerizing at night with its neon lights at the top of the building. 

The Aon Centre - Chicago, USA

Upon completion in 1973, The Aon Centre in Chicago was the sixth tallest tower ever constructed and was originally the tallest marble-clad building in the world. In the early 1990's however, the building was reclad in white granite due to safety concerns. 

The Empire State Building - New York, USA

Perhaps one of the most iconic steel structures ever built, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931 and held the title of the World's Tallest Building for over 40 years with its height of  1250 ft (381 m). 

Willis Tower - Chicago, USA

Completed in 1974, the Willis Tower is the tallest steel building in the world measuring at 1,450 ft (442 m) tall. From 1974 - 2009 the tower was formerly known as the Sears Tower. The name change occured in 2009 after London-based insurance broker Willis Group Holdings leased a portion of the building and was able to take over the building's name,

Sources: US Bank Tower, NYTCO, Chrysler Building, Skyscraper Center, AON Center, Steel Fab Services

cover photo © unsplash