ASHRAE releases design guide for skyscrapers

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.