Tokyo Sky Tree is on target to be the tallest structure in Japan upon completion in the spring of 2012, reported constructiondigital. Located in the Narihirabashi/Oshiage part of the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, the Tokyo Sky Tree broadcasting tower will soar nearly 634 meters into the sky, making it one of the tallest in the world and an icon of Japan. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the tower, which resembles a large tree, will serve as a hub for the country's digital terrestrial broadcasting network. Additionally, the structure features two observation decks and is designed to withstand Japan's frequent earthquakes as well as strong winds. Though many may see this as Japan's way of getting in the race for the world's tallest structure, the height of the Tokyo Sky Tree serves an important function-it improves the towers ability to send the broadcasting signals over the tall skyscrapers of Tokyo. The base of the tower resembles a tripod. The three 'legs' anchor the structure to the ground. As it rises, the structure begins to curve around a central tube into the sky. Observatory levels at 350 meters and 450 meters allow visitors to have panoramic views of the urban landscape. The lower level will feature restaurants and retail opportunities. Japan isn't a stranger to earthquakes and strong storms. As a result, architects must design structures with disaster prevention features to withstand movement from above and below. Taking inspiration from the traditional Japanese pagoda, the tower relies on a central column for stability. According to the architects, "this system counters swaying set in motion by earthquake tremors and strong winds, ensuring a safe and reliable structure." The Obayashi Corporation is serving as the general contractor on the Tokyo Sky Tree project.

With inauguration on January 5, the "Baluarte Bridge" in Mexico is officially the Guinness World Record holder for the tallest cable-stayed bridge, reported Constructiondigital. The massive infrastructure project consists of 152 steel suspenders supporting over 1100 meters of 20 meter wide roadway, with a central span of over 520 meters. The 403m (1,321ft) tall "Baluarte Bridge" is part of celebrations to mark 200 years of Mexico's independence from Spain. Its four lanes are held up tall enough to house the Eiffel Tower - which bring the structure its impressive world record credentials. The US$ 1.42 billion project is 86 percent complete, and will be finished by the end of January. The bridge spans a deep ravine in northern Mexico, and the achievement comes soon after the country's bicentennial celebration of independence from Spain. "It is definitely one of the most impressive infrastructure projects. It is a key piece of Mazatlan and Durango -a project that is going to unite the people from the north of Mexico like never before," said Felipe Calderon, Mexico's President. More than 4 years in the making, the project is intended to provide a more direct route through the "Devil's Backbone" as the area is known. Critics say that the bridge will open up a new "drug superhighway", allowing marijuana and other narcotics to be more easily transported through the area's mountainous region. Officials, however, insist the project will benefit the local communities. The highest suspension bridge is the Siduhe Bridge in China, with 472m height and 900m span. To avoid misunderstanding about record holders, we need to add, that difference between the two are bridge structures. Thus, the Mexican Baluarte Bridge structure is called cable-stayed, while China's Siduhe Bridge's-suspension.

According to information agency Interfax, on December 22 the vice president of "Tashir Group" Vitaly Efimkin announced, that the company planned to put into operation 11 buildings with total area 600 thousand square meters in 2012. As Efimkin said, 9 of 11 buildings will be shopping and entertainment centers "RIO", 2 of them in Moscow and 7 in other regions of Russia. Another two projects, which planned to be opened in 2011 are the 70 thousand square meters multifunctional recreation complex in "Moscow City" and the "Yaroslavl" hotel with total area of 18 thousand square meters. . According to Efimkin, "Tashir Group" in future may continue to open oceanariums in Russia. It is very successful project, as during the first month more than 250 thousand people attracted the first Russian oceanarium. . "Tashir Group" was founded in 1999. It is development and retailing company and to date manages more than 850 thousand square meters commercial real estate. It should be noted, that the company's turnover for 2011 will be US$ 2.8 billion, while in 2010 it amounted to US$ 1.725 billion.

As reported by mail.ru, the first deputy minister of Cuban Domestic Trade Odalys Escandell announced, that on December 15 authorities cut prices on building materials by 20-30 percent. According to Escandell, prices were lowered for 122 items of building materials, including concrete blocks, sanitary ware, bricks, waterproofing and other materials. It should be noted, that prices in all 286 building material stores are determined by the Cuban government. Deputy minister also added that since December 20 all residents wishing to renovate their homes or build a new one, had the opportunity to apply to banks for loan and about 5 hundred new bank offices were opened around the island. Problems in construction industry remain as one of the main obstacle of island's economy. According to officials, over 40 percent of housing is in poor condition. The country's leader, Raul Castro and several other leaders have repeatedly talked about the need to stimulate the development of private home remodeling segment.

Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev bought the most expensive apartment in central New York for US$ 88 million, reported the New York Observer. It turns out, the most expensive home in the history of Manhattan real estate. Rybolovlev owned 10-room penthouse at 15 Central Park West in New York. The total area of apartment exceeding 626 square meters, besides this it's surrounding by terrace area over 190 square meters. According to New York Observer, former principal owner of the "Uralkali" was the 93rd richest person in the world with a net worth around US$ 9.5 billion. Were he to move in full-time, that would make him the fifth richest New Yorker, behind David Koch, Mayor Bloomberg, John Paulson and Ronald Perelman. This is not the first time a rich Russian has set real estate records this year. The current belt is held by Igor Krutoy, a Russian composer who paid US$ 48 million for a massive spread just across the park at the Plaza. The fertilizer kingpin is no stranger to staggering real estate. In 2008, he purchased Donald Trump's 3 thousand square meters Florida estate, Maison L'Amitie, for US$ 95 million. Photo gallery here.