Ian Spula, The Spaces Written by

The Spaces is a digital publication that covers architecture, design and art.

China is raising the stakes in the race for the 'tallest' man-made structures: six of the 10 tallest buildings predicted to top out in 2017 are in this booming corner of the world. And all are set to exceed the 400-meter mark -- shoulders above 2016's additions.

According to The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a building is structurally "topped-off" when it is under construction, and "the highest primary structural element is in place." Wuhan Greenland Center (above), will become China's tallest building when it tops out next year Credit: Courtesy of the Greenland Group

Predicting top-outs is an imperfect science, made difficult by factors including weather and financing. Don't be surprised to see a few familiar faces among the jaw-dropping supertalls that are redefining our cities' skylines.

Helping us out with our predictions is The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat -- the global referee for official building heights. We cross-checked info from its database against developer websites and forums for skyscraper enthusiasts to get the most accurate read on construction progress.



















































1 / 26 – Shanghai Tower Standing at 2,074 feet (632 meters) tall, the Shanghai Tower is the world's second tallest building. Credit: Blackstation/courtesy gensler