Typology of Skybridges in Asia

Abstract

With the rapid development of high-density urban areas and the construction of high-rise complexes, the number of skybridges has increased during the last 20 years. While skybridges in high-rise building complexes have been attracting considerable attention, a few studies have been conducted on state-of-the-art skybridges, but not enough typological research on skybridges has been made based on actual cases. In this study, the typological difference among skybridges sharing common properties was verified using a statistical method based on the cases of skybridges in Asia. The completion year, length, width, and relative elevation of skybridges were used for the statistical analysis. Based on the results, six skybridge types, i.e., open circulation, open sky park, open programmatic, enclosed rooftop programmatic, enclosed circulation, and enclosed programmatic, and their characteristics were derived and described by a three-dimensional plot. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of skybridges, and it can be used as a reference material for researchers to understand how high-rise complexes with skybridges will evolve and change their urban environment. It will also help architects to design skybridges and communicate with clients and the public on their value.