ctbuh logo

Research Summary

Skybridges of Significance

Linking tall buildings with horizontal spaces, whether purely for circulation or containing programming, has been a subject of fascination for as long as tall buildings have existed. In recent years, the physical extents and intensity of programming of these skybridges have increased substantially, adding to the iconicity and allure of building complexes around the world, as well as pointing to new paradigms for three-dimensional urban life.

This data study is derived from the CTBUH Research Project: “Skybridges: Bringing the Horizontal Into the Vertical Realm,” kindly funded by thyssenkrupp Elevator. It accompanies the research paper “Skybridges: State of the Art” and the CTBUH Technical Guide The Space Across: Skybridges and the Future City.

The Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy
The Bridge of Sighs in Venice, constructed in 1600, can be thought of as one of the earliest skybridges, connecting two building programs (courtrooms and a jail) over a public right-of-way (in this case, a canal). © Tansri Muliani

What is a Skybridge?

A skybridge is a structure, physically connected and supported in its entirety between two or more separate buildings, at least six floors above ground level. It is a primarily enclosed space, meaning that the path of travel within the skybridge is under shelter.

The Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy
Raffles City Chongqing, Chongqing © Arch-Exist Photography

Today, skybridges such as Raffles City Chongqing are approaching the urban scale of the visions articulated more than 100 years ago. The next generation of skybridges will elevate all the functions of cities into the air.

If flipped on its axis, Raffles City Chongqing’s skybridge "The Crystal,” shown next to the 452-meter Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, would almost be a supertall building, at 296 meters.

Skybridge Types

Enclosed Circulation
© Rainer Viertlbloeck

Enclosed Circulation
The bridge is intended predominantly for occupants to pass between two buildings.

Enclosed Programmatic
© TJAD / Shao Feng Architectural Photography Studio

Enclosed Programmatic
The bridge contains unique programming or amenities that make it a destination on its own, such as office space, residential units, observatory, gym, restaurant, etc.

Building-as-Skybridge
© Daniel Safarik

Building-as-Skybridge
The skybridge is part of an architectural composition that makes two independent towers appear as a singular “arched” building; the interior is typically enclosed programmatic space.

Skyplane
© Kelvin Zyteng

Skyplane
A horizontal plane, extending between or across the tops of two or more buildings at height, whose primary occupiable space is outdoors and on its top surface, often with plantings and park-like features.

World’s 10 Highest Skybridges

These are the world’s 10 highest skybridges, measured to the highest occupied skybridge floor in each complex. As with the general CTBUH Height Criteria, the highest occupied skybridge floor designation is intended to recognize conditioned space which is designed to be safely and legally occupied by residents, workers, or other building users on a consistent basis. It does not include service or mechanical areas which experience occasional maintenance access, etc.

HOSF = Highest Occupied Skybridge Floor in each complex: As with the general CTBUH Height Criteria, this is intended to recognize conditioned space which is designed to be safely and legally occupied by residents, workers, or other building users on a consistent basis. It does not include service or mechanical areas which experience occasional maintenance access, etc.

HTBC = Height of Tallest Building in Complex (Architctural Height)

*See CTBUH Height Criteria for further definitions

Skybridges of Significance: Gallery

Return to The Skyscraper Center