New York City is home to some of the tallest buildings on Earth. Recently, a new skyscraper joined them. This time it's the thinnest in the world.
After years of development, Steinway Tower is now complete(完成的). The height of the building is 435 meters. But it's just 18 meters wide. The width﹣to﹣height ratio(比例)is 1: 24. That makes the building look very thin, like a chopstick sticking up(竖起)from the ground. For context(供参考), CITIC Tower, known as China Zun Tower in Beijing, stands at 528 meters, but is 84 meters wide.
Secret superpower
You don't need to worry that the building may break in half during a storm. According to SHoP Architects, the designer(设计者)of the building, it was made with the world's strongest concrete(混凝土). However, the building may still move in strong winds. That would cause loud noises, and people inside may feel dizzy(晕眩的).
Many modern tall buildings have a secret tool inside to help them stand still. It's called a damper(风阻尼器), usually a huge steel(钢的)ball that weighs hundreds of tons. For example, the Steinway Tower has a damper of 800 tons. It swings(摇荡)back and forth inside the building to balance(平衡)the force of the wind.
Why is taller better?
There are many people living and working in New York City. Land there is very expensive. Skyscrapers are a great choice for saving land. Meanwhile, designers wanted to make the Steinway Tower a landmark(地标). Part of the building is the 96-year-old historic site of Steinway Hall. It was famous for concerts in the 20th century. The special design of the skyscraper may help people remember the past glory(辉煌)of Steinway Hall.