MAJOR PROJECTS
THE WORLD ’ S FIRST skyscraper was built 131 years ago , in Chicago in 1884 . Standing at just 500 feet ( 152 metres ) tall , the tower totally redefined the modern cityscape beyond all imagination . Today , the world ’ s tallest skyscraper - Burj Khalifa in Dubai – stands at a whopping 830 metres ; in China , they have built a new skyscraper every five days since 2011 ; the world ’ s first shadowless skyscrapers have been developed in London and a wooden skyscraper is about to be erected in Vienna . The skyscraper has evolved to become one of the most recognised symbols of economic growth and prosperity around the world .
However , the proliferation of such huge edifices has had , and indeed still has , a pronounced negative effect on the environment . They require huge supplies of materials and machinery to construct , and once they ’ ve been constructed , they continue to contribute heavily to greenhouse emissions .
Going into 2015 , architects and construction firms need to be more aware of the issues facing skyscraper construction , and figure out how human civilisation can continue to expand while limiting harm to the environment and society in general .
Sustainable construction accounts for a far more complex series of targets than most people may assume . As well as striving for social inclusion , environmental preservation , aesthetics and profitability , it also calls for a constant awareness of innovative and emerging approaches to design and development .
Construction Global takes a look at some of the latest trends in skyscraper construction , which would go a long way towards building a greener 2015 :
1 . The year of the plyscraper Could 2015 be the year of the plyscraper ? It ’ s not a question that many people are asking , but that ’ s mainly due to unawareness rather than unwillingness .
Though wood may be one of the most basic building materials , and more worryingly flammable , thanks to the research and development of cross-laminated timber , wooden buildings could be the most viable option for future construction . Each
14 Month 2014