They were built to symbolize the city’s prosperity and vision.
But after years of abandonment, stalled development or economic crisis, some of the world’s most amazing buildings have fallen into ruin and instead come to epitomize national struggle.
From Thailand’s 49-storey Sathorn Unique which was abandoned after the 1997 financial crisis to Venezuela’s luxury skyscraper-turned-world’s tallest slum, the Tower of David, here is a selection of some of the world’s tallest hollowed-out buildings which once epitomized architectural triumph.
It’s called Bangkok’s ‘ghost tower’.
The empty 49-storey Sathorn Unique tower overlooking the Chao Phraya River in Thailand, was destined to be a state-of-the-art office and residential complex.
But construction on the skyscraper – with a rooftop terrace described by i09 as ‘perfect for villainous showdowns’ – was abandoned after the 1997 financial crisis.
Now the 174-meter graffiti-covered building mainly houses squatters.