With the increasing densification of the cities, high-rise accommodation is gaining in importance. Climatic, constructional and social challenges have often led to highly innovative solutions for the residential tower, as a recent architectural type that is still constantly evolving. This selection of 80 architecturally exemplary tower blocks on five continents makes it possible to compare various different approaches. Buildings ranging in time from the 1930s to the present are each portrayed with plans, photographs and short texts, along with biographical notes on the architects. The introduction and three essays discuss various aspects of the development and significance of the residential tower in the international context.