Built to impress

摘要

There are no shortage of megaprojects around the world, especially with growing populations and urbanisation putting ever-greater strain on cities and their infrastructure. Picking out some noteworthy examples from around the world, it becomes clear that a construction project's ambition can be measured not just in terms of scale or cost, but also social or environmental impact. This list is therefore a selection of ten of the most interesting megaprojects around the world, rather than a list of the most expensive. One such scheme is the relocation of the Swedish city of Kiruna. Although it might not be the most expensive of projects by global construction industry standards - though it is still estimated to cost $1.5 billion - it certainly has major social ramifications. Located 145km north of the Arctic Circle, Kiruna was founded in 1900 next to an iron mine that now accounts for about 78% of all the iron ore produced in the EU. The mine's success and expansion, however, means that large parts of the neighbouring city must be dismantled in order for the orebody, which slopes under Kiruna, to be accessed.