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

Al-Kodmany, Kheir,Ali, Mir M. Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2016 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.5 No.4

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.

Guidelines for Tall Buildings Development

Al-Kodmany, Kheir Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2012 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.1 No.4

Tall buildings' implementation has often lacked urban design and architectural guidance. There are many examples of tall buildings that have been inappropriately located, designed, and built, and consequently dissatisfaction with high-rise development is wide-spread. This paper attempts to provide extensive urban and architectural guidelines in order to manage cityscape and to ensure safe and healthy living. Through recommendations on design and layout of tall buildings and open spaces the guidelines seek enhancing the visual experience, improving the microclimate conditions, and fostering active social life. These guidelines help in providing enjoyable urban experiences through the examination of spatial relationships, human scale, genius loci, perceptual characteristics, local identity, built heritage, economic activities, and social life.

The Logic of Vertical Density: Tall Buildings in the 21st Century City

Al-Kodmany, Kheir Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2012 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.1 No.2

This paper attempts to summarize recent debates on tall buildings. It first explains the driving forces of constructing tall buildings including population increase, rural-to-urban migration, demographic change, agglomeration, and human aspiration. Next, it discusses disadvantages and challenging factors that are frequently raised in making a case against tall buildings including economics, environmental factors, historic context, public safety, and psychological issues. The paper concludes by affirming that tall buildings will persist in the $21^{st}$ century due to strong commitment to urban sustainability and significant population increase worldwide.

Placemaking in the High-Rise City: Architectural and Urban Design Analyses

Al-Kodmany, Kheir Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2013 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.2 No.2

The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented boom in tall and supertall building construction worldwide (Wood, 2011). Because of their massive bulk and soaring height, tall buildings often create serious placemaking problems. Employing extensive photographs and sketches, this paper examines architectural and urban design strategies that improve placemaking with tall buildings. The paper embraces a comprehensive approach that considers the relationship of tall buildings to their surroundings at the macro and micro scales. It also considers non-physical factors that tall buildings need to address, such as the social life the building creates. It is hoped that the placemaking factors discussed in this article will provide the required groundwork for future research that explores regulations and codes that foster placemaking with tall buildings.

Social Media and Popular Places: The Case of Chicago

Al-Kodmany, Kheir Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2019 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.8 No.2

This paper offers new ways to learn about popular places in the city. Using locational data from Social Media platforms platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, along with participatory field visits and combining insights from architecture and urban design literature, this study reveals popular socio-spatial clusters in the City of Chicago. Locational data of photographs were visualized by using Geographic Information Systems and helped in producing heat maps that showed the spatial distribution of posted photographs. Geo-intensity of photographs illustrated areas that are most popularly visited in the city. The study's results indicate that the city's skyscrapers along open spaces are major elements of image formation. Findings also elucidate that Social Media plays an important role in promoting places; and thereby, sustaining a greater interest and stream of visitors. Consequently, planners should tap into public's digital engagement in city places to improve tourism and economy.

Tall Buildings and Elevator Technologies: Improving Energy Efficiency

Kheir Al-Kodmany Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2023 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.12 No.2

The massive increase in elevator usage and a severe demand for energy efficiency have prompted manufacturers to develop various innovative technologies, including AC and gearless motors, machine-room-less (MRL) technologies, regenerative drives, elevator ropes, and LED lighting. In addition, manufacturers are providing software solution systems such as destination dispatching systems, people flow solutions, standby mode, and predictive maintenance applications. Future technologies include electromagnetic levitation, circulating multi-car elevator systems, robotization, and drones. This article outlines elevators' technological advancements. It discusses how to harness new technologies and apply them to aging, modern, and future buildings.

Sustainable Tall Buildings: Summary of Energy-Efficient Design

Kheir Al-Kodmany,Mir M. Ali,Paul J. Armstrong Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2023 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.12 No.2

Tall buildings are frequently decried as unsustainable due to their excessive energy usage. Early skyscrapers used natural light and ventilation to facilitate human comfort and applied organic materials such as stone, glass, wood, concrete, and terra cotta for cladding and finishes. With the advent of fluorescent lighting, modern heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, and thermally sealed curtain walls, tall office buildings no longer had to rely on natural light and ventilation to provide comfort. Energy efficiency was not a significant factor when the operational costs of buildings were relatively inexpensive. However, today's skyscrapers must become more energy-efficient and sustainable due to energy crises and climate change. This paper highlights vital energy-efficient design principles and demonstrates with illustrative case studies how they are applied to tall buildings in various parts of the world. It shows how sustainable environmental systems do not act alone but are integrated with advanced curtain wall systems, sky gardens, and atria, among others, to regulate and sustain thermal comfort and conserve energy.