Skyscraper design: importance and challenges
Skyscrapers are very tall, multi-story buildings, and the name was first used during the 1880s,
shortly after the first skyscrapers were built in the United States.
The development of skyscrapers came as a result of the simultaneity of several technological and social developments.
While the term skyscraper was originally applied to buildings with 10 to 20 floors,
But by the late 20th century, the term was being used to describe high-rise buildings of unusual height,
generally greater than 40 or 50 stories.
While the increase in urban commerce in the United States in the second half of the nineteenth century increased the need for commercial space in the city.
In 1857 he made it practical to construct buildings more than four or five stories high.
Although the first skyscrapers were based on very thick stone walls at ground level,
However, architects soon turned to the use of cast molds.
Plus an iron and wrought iron frame to support the weight of the upper floors,
allowing for more floor space on the lower floors.
James Bogardus also built a 1848 cast-iron building, New York City,
with a solid iron frame that provided the main support for the loads of the upper floor and roof.
The skyscrapers in Jinyi used the curtain wall for the first time,
An external covering of building materials or other materials that can support only its own weight and is attached and supported to the steel structure.
Structurally, skyscrapers consist of underground infrastructure,
The superstructure has columns and beams above the ground, and a curtain wall hung on the beams.
As urban population density increases, the need for buildings that rise rather than spread out has increased.
The skyscraper, which was originally a form of commercial architecture,
They were increasingly used for residential purposes as well.
Stages of development of skyscraper design
The design and decoration of skyscrapers went through several stages,
and began using specific columns that rise from the base to the cornice, to highlight the verticality
With some retention of earlier styles, and as part of the Neoclassical Renaissance,
they transform urban skylines and offer stunning views and amenities.
However, designing a skyscraper is not an easy task, as it involves overcoming many technical, environmental and aesthetic challenges.
Skyscraper design challenges
Structural stability
One of the major design challenges when designing a skyscraper is ensuring its structural stability and safety.
The skyscraper must bear various loads and forces, such as gravity, wind, earthquakes, and fires, without collapsing or deforming.
To achieve this, architects use advanced structural analysis and design methods,
Such as finite element analysis, performance-based design, and wind tunnel testing.
They also choose appropriate materials, such as steel, concrete or composites, and structural systems.
Such as frames, cores, piles, or tow nets, to improve the strength, rigidity, and efficiency of a skyscraper.
Foundation and soil
Dealing with foundation and soil conditions is another challenge when designing a skyscraper.
A skyscraper needs a strong and stable foundation that supports its weight and prevents it from settling or tilting.
However, the foundation also depends on the type and quality of the soil,
which can vary greatly from one site to another.
Some types of soil may be too soft, loose, or compressible to support a skyscraper.
While other types are hard, rocky, or heterogeneous so that they cannot be drilled or excavated.
To overcome this challenge, architects use geotechnical investigations and soil improvement techniques,
Such as piling, grouting or compaction, to determine and enhance the bearing capacity and stability of the soil.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
The third challenge in designing a skyscraper is achieving energy efficiency and sustainability.
A skyscraper consumes a lot of energy for lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and elevators.
Which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Moreover, the skyscraper also affects the natural environment and urban microclimate,
Such as sunlight, air quality and noise levels.
To meet this challenge, architects use green building strategies and techniques,
Such as passive design, renewable energy sources, smart systems,
and green roofs or walls, to reduce the energy demand and environmental footprint of skyscrapers.
Vertical transportation and circulation
A skyscraper requires a large number of elevators and escalators to move people and goods between different floors and functions, such as offices, residences, hotels, or retail stores.
However, elevators and stairs also take up a lot of floor space and affect the design and efficiency of the skyscraper.
To solve this challenge, architects use innovative designs and technologies for elevators and escalators.
Such as double deck, suspended atrium, destination control, or spiral,
to increase the capacity, speed and convenience of vertical transportation and rotation.
Social and economic aspects
A skyscraper is not just a technical and artistic endeavor, but also a social and economic endeavor that affects the quality of life and well-being of the people who live, work or visit it.
Therefore, a skyscraper must meet the needs and expectations of users and stakeholders,
such as customers, investors, tenants, clients or regulators, who have different interests and preferences.
To address this problem, architects use participatory and collaborative design processes and methods,
such as surveys, workshops or simulations, to engage and address the social and economic aspects of the project.
