This was a record-breaking year for tall buildings. Around the world, more supertall buildings (defined as 980 feet or taller) were completed in 2019 than in any year prior. This year’s total, 26, was markedly higher than last year’s total of 18.

Five countries built their tallest buildings ever.

The overall height of the world’s skyscrapers also reached a new pinnacle in 2019. Among the world’s 100 tallest buildings, the average height was around 1,290 feet — the equivalent of three-and-a-half football fields.

But not all countries bested their previous records in 2019. China, the world’s leading builder of skyscrapers, only erected 57 tall buildings (656 feet or taller) compared to last year’s 92. In the US, skyscraper construction was stagnant; the nation built 14 tall buildings per year in 2018 and 2019.

Take a look at the five skyscrapers that broke the tallest building records in their countries in 2019.

The Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, is now the tallest building in Europe

At 1,515 feet tall, it’s also the 13th-tallest building in the world. The highrise is expected to become the future headquarters of Russian energy company Gazprom.

Though it was designed to resemble a flame, the tower has also been compared to a twisting needle, since the entire structure rotates 90 degrees.

The building is located about 5 miles northwest of St. Petersburg’s center. It was originally planned for the heart of the city, but residents worried it would drastically alter the skyline.

In 2008, the World Monuments Fund was so concerned about the “enormous Gazprom skyscraper” that it listed the St. Petersburg skyline as an endangered site.

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