Are Tall Buildings and a Cityís Skyline Emblematic of City Competitiveness?

Tall buildings are a common building typology within most major cities and they are representative of the outward signs of globalisation, capitalism and wealth. This visual imagery has become an important selling point for cities seeking a competitive advantage. Similarly, global investment markets have become increasingly mobile seeking out investment opportunities that epitomise a companyís power and status. It is therefore important to potential investors and city officials to establish if economic stability and hence investment attractiveness is reflected by a cityís skyline. This paper examines whether the presence of tall buildings is a significant determinant of city competitiveness and success. The paper utilises Emporis high-rise building data, City Mayors ranking distributions and urban competitiveness data from both the Global City Competitiveness Report (CASS, 2008) and work by Beaverstock et al (1999) on a ëworld city rosterí as a basis for drawing statistical correlations between the presence of tall buildings, global city status and overall city competitiveness.