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
Laboratories | Aug 30, 2021
Science in the sky: Designing high-rise research labs
Recognizing the inherent socioeconomic and environmental benefits of high-density design, research corporations have boldly embraced high-rise research labs.
High-rise Construction | Aug 25, 2021
Summit One Vanderbilt immersive experience and observatory set to open
The project is located in the crown of One Vanderbilt.
Office Buildings | Aug 4, 2021
‘Lighthouse’ office tower will be new headquarters for A2A in Milan
The tower, dubbed Torre Faro, reimagines the company’s office spaces to adapt to people’s ever-changing needs at work.
High-rise Construction | May 27, 2021
The anti-high rise: Seattle's The Net by NBBJ
In this exclusive video interview for HorizonTV, Ryan Mullenix, Design Partner with NBBJ, talks with BD+C's John Caulfield about a new building in Seattle called The Net that promotes wellness and connectivity.
Mixed-Use | Apr 22, 2021
Jakarta’s first supertall tower tops out
The project will anchor the Thamrin Nine development.
High-rise Construction | Jan 20, 2021
Casablanca Finance City Tower becomes Morphosis’ first project in Africa
The tower is the first building completed in Casablanca Finance City.
Products and Materials | Sep 23, 2020
A new portable restroom is designed for mobility
Lendlease invented the H3 Wellness Hub, which can include natural lighting and UV bacteria control.
High-rise Construction | Mar 20, 2020
Edge, the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor skydeck opens
The attraction is part of 30 Hudson Yards.
High-rise Construction | Nov 6, 2019
AS+GG releases design scheme for the South HeXi Yuzui Financial District and Tower
The firm won an international design competition for the project in 2018.
High-rise Construction | Oct 7, 2019
A giant shipwreck sculpture highlights the proposal for Prague’s tallest building
Sculptor David Černý and architect Tomáš Císař from the studio Black n´ Arch designed the project.