E VOLUTION OF THE
BRISBANE SKYLINE The quest for height has been driving architects and developers since the dawn of cities. Taller, bigger, better has been the mantra for the better part of the last 80 years. In the late 19th century, the phrase ‘skyscraper’ was used to describe any
building over ten storeys tall. Now, the cut off to be deemed a skyscraper sits at around 150 metres: four-times taller than the 1880s. With engineering developments came outstanding feats of height, and now, there are 16 skyscrapers in Brisbane alone.
In 2018, Brisbane was home to three of Australia’s top twenty tallest buildings. Over the next four years, this number is expected to climb significantly higher with a further 18 skyscrapers currently proposed. Set to be completed early this year, the 274-metre Brisbane Skytower will be first to reach the city’s aviation-enforced ceiling and will become the third tallest building in the country. While Q1 will retain the crown for the Sunshine State’s tallest structure (sitting at 322 metres) for the foreseeable future, Brisbane’s skyline is looking up. If Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had his way, the aviation ceiling would be raised to sit at 300 metres: and there are plenty of developers in Brisbane who are keen to rise up to the challenge.
Brisbane is reaching new heights as the first building to top out the 274-metre ceiling, Brisbane Skytower, reaches completion early this year.
Brisbane Skytower