Space Efficiency in Contemporary Supertall Residential Buildings

Hüseyin Emre Ilgın

doi:10.3390/architecture1010004

Abstract

Space efficiency is one of the most important design considerations in any tall building, in terms of making the project viable. This parameter becomes more critical in supertall (300 m+) residential towers, to make the project attractive by offering the maximum usage area for dwellers. This study analyzed the space efficiency in contemporary supertall residential buildings. Data was collected from 27 buildings, using a literature survey and a case study method, to examine space efficiency and the main architectural and structural design considerations affecting it. The results of this research highlighted that: (1) central core was the most common type of design parameter; (2) prismatic forms were the most preferred building forms; (3) the frequent use of reinforced concrete was identified, compared to steel and composite; (4) the most common structural system was an outriggered frame system; (5) the space efficiency decreased as the building height increased, in which core planning played a critical role; (6) when building form groups were compared among themselves, no significant difference was found between their effects on space efficiency, and similar results were valid for structural systems. It is believed that this study will help and direct architects in the design and implementation of supertall residential projects.

Highlights

This paper aims to identify, collect, and combine the information about space efficiency in contemporary supertall residential buildings, from the standpoint of the main architectural and structural design considerations, to understand how space efficiency differs, along with what the buildings’ key design features are
This section examines the main architectural and structural design parameters that have an effect on space efficiency in the 27 supertall residential cases
This study was based in ontwo the cases) main architectural and parameters that have core system is the least preferred type for the of an effect on space efficiency

Summary

Introduction

At the end of the 19th century, beginning with the invention of the elevator system as a form of vertical transportation with a metal rigid frame as the structural system, the construction of tall buildings emerged as an American building type, owing to the advances in structural systems, high-strength concrete, and mechanical systems. This is the main driver stimulating the race for height in tall buildings that has spread around the world [1].

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Conclusion