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Reference.org
Skyscraper
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<p>A skyscraper is a tall continuously habitable building having multiple floors. Most modern sources define skyscrapers as being at least 100 metres (330 ft) or 150 metres (490 ft) in height, though there is no universally accepted definition, other than being very tall <a href="/facts/Tower_block/dfTrBY0s">high-rise buildings</a>. Skyscrapers may host offices, hotels, residential spaces, and retail spaces. </p><p>One common feature of skyscrapers is having a <a href="/facts/Steel_frame/jNHlGJtx">steel frame</a> that supports <a href="/facts/Curtain_wall_(architecture)/1xYdVmlg">curtain walls</a>. These curtain walls either bear on the framework below or are suspended from the framework above, rather than resting on <a href="/facts/Load-bearing_wall/mGJ9bINW">load-bearing walls</a> of conventional construction. Some early skyscrapers have a steel frame that enables the construction of load-bearing walls taller than those made of <a href="/facts/Reinforced_concrete/aUTUKAQF">reinforced concrete</a>. </p><p>Modern skyscraper walls are not <a href="/facts/Load-bearing/mGJ9bINW">load-bearing</a>, and most skyscrapers are characterized by large surface areas of windows made possible by steel frames and curtain walls. However, skyscrapers can have curtain walls that mimic conventional walls with a small surface area of windows. Modern skyscrapers often have a <a href="/facts/Tube_(structure)/AyEXqXr0">tubular structure</a>, and are designed to act like a hollow <a href="/facts/Cylinder/0wQPPr3k">cylinder</a> to resist wind, seismic, and other lateral loads. To appear more slender, allow less wind exposure and transmit more daylight to the ground, many skyscrapers have a design with <a href="/facts/Setback_(architecture)/fvpqwm5S">setbacks</a>, which in some cases is also structurally required. </p><p>As of September 2023, fifteen cities in the world have more than 100 skyscrapers that are 150 m (492 ft) or taller. As of 2024, there are over 7 thousand skyscrapers over 150 m (492 ft) in height worldwide. </p>