An Overview of Structural and Aesthetic Developments in Tall Buildings Using Exterior Bracing and Diagrid Systems

Abstract

There is much architectural and engineering literature which discusses the virtues of exterior bracing and diagrid systems in regards to sustainability -two systems which generally reduce building materials, enhance structural performance, and decrease overall construction cost. By surveying past, present as well as possible future towers, this paper examines another attribute of these structural systems -the blend of structural functionality and aesthetics. Given the external nature of these structural systems, diagrids and exterior bracings can visually communicate the inherent structural logic of a building while also serving as a medium for artistic effect. Viewed in this light, the visual appeal of these systems can be enhanced to give a tower a more distinct urban identity. This entails the creation of structural elements that are aesthetically pleasing, geometrically coherent and that demonstrate dexterity of application in regards to a building's composition, while also respecting the laws of physics and mechanics. In this fashion, an artistic approach can exhibit structural systems as not just purely rational features that enable the construction of tall buildings, but as important visual components that afford opportunities for creative expression. This paper, therefore, synthesizes the concepts of structural performance and creative artistry to facilitate a better understanding of the aesthetic developments in skyscrapers worldwide.

Space Efficiency in Contemporary Supertall Residential Buildings

“…Building form is also an important parameter affecting the space efficiency in supertall residential buildings among the architectural design factors. Considering the accounts from the previous literature [36][37][38], the following classification by Ilgın et al [31] was used to categorize the form of the 27 cases in this study: Based on the classification above, prismatic form was the most frequently used form in the 27 cases, with a proportion of 56% (Table 2). The reason behind this dominance could be its ease of workmanship, compared to the complex and free forms, and that it allows for the effective use of interior space (particularly for rectangular plans).…”

Sustainable Skyscrapers

“…The 238 m (781 ft) tower was designed by Foster and Partners and completed in 2012. The Bow has achieved LEED Gold certification [34].…”

Advances in Structural Systems for Tall Buildings: Emerging Developments for Contemporary Urban Giants

“…The close diagrid arrangement creates an in-plane stiff shell-like structural shear membrane in the perimeter. It was extensively studied and discussed from different perspectives [3,23,[54][55][56]. Both gravity and lateral loads can be carried by the diagrid system.…”