In 2004, there were only about 300 buildings taller than 656 feet. This number increased to 600 in 2010, and predictions were that there would be 765 such buildings in 2012.
With the number of these structures rising, ASHRAE has released “ASHRAE Design Guide for Tall, Supertall and Megatall Building Systems.” The book is co-sponsored by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat and updates an earlier version released in 2004.
“Tall buildings present unique and formidable challenges to architects and engineers because of their size, location in major urban areas, and the multiple, complex occupancies they often contain,” says Peter Simmonds, author of a new book from ASHRAE on tall building design guidance.
Tall buildings require large amounts of energy to move occupants from floor to floor. Elevators require designers to provide for the exhaust of heat they and their many electronics generate. Providing heat and chilled air is a major challenge, as is sealing envelopes. The guide addresses these issues and others pertaining to infrastructure of high-rise structures.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Aug 22, 2016
Tall buildings with a twist: CTBUH ranks the world’s 28 tallest twisting towers
In 2005, the Turning Toroso, designed by Santiago Calatrava, was completed, making it the first twisting skyscraper in the world.
High-rise Construction | Aug 1, 2016
Rising to the occasion: Dubai shows some pictures of proposed 500-step structure
Still in the planning stages, this building would serve tourists and power climbers alike.
High-rise Construction | Jul 26, 2016
Perkins+Will unveils plans for what will be Atlanta’s second-tallest tower
The 74-story 98 Fourteenth Street will be a mixed-use building with retail space and luxury residential units.
Concrete | Jul 20, 2016
Arup ensures Mexico City concrete skyscraper can withstand seismic activity
Double-V hangers and irregularly spaced gaps allow the structure to bend.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2016
Zaha Hadid designs geometric flower-shaped tower for sustainable Qatar city
The 38-story building will have a mashrabiya latticed facade with hotel and residential space inside.
High-rise Construction | Jul 14, 2016
New San Francisco mixed-use tower billed as most earthquake-resistant building on the West Coast
A megabrace is a key seismic component at 181 Fremont, with offices, residences, and retail space.
High-rise Construction | Jul 14, 2016
Shigeru Ban designs tower expected to be world’s tallest hybrid timber structure
To lessen the carbon footprint, Terrace House in Vancouver will be made of wood sourced from British Columbia.
High-rise Construction | Jul 12, 2016
Three-tiered, 57-story high-rise development from Arquitectonica coming to Miami
The structure will be the tallest building in the Edgewater District
Office Buildings | Jul 11, 2016
CetraRuddy designs office tower for Manhattan’s Meatpacking district
Plans originally called for a hotel, but the architect and developers adapted their design for commercial use.
Contractors | Jul 4, 2016
A new report links infrastructure investment to commercial real estate expansion
Competitiveness and economic development are at stake for cities, says Transwestern.
