November marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of NYC’s One World Trade Center. At 1,776-feet, it is the tallest building in the United States. Skyscrapers not only shape and define a city’s skyline but are an expression of architectural innovation and technical prowess. Recent skyscraper structures have aimed high in their creativity, sustainability and bold designs.

While NYC is home to the tallest building in the US, Milwaukee boasts the world’s largest timber tower, the 25-story Ascent MKE, which stands at 284 feet. Incorporating biophilic design, the building features exposed natural materials, mass timber, glass and various metal panels. The Ascent may soon have competition for that title with plans underway for a 55-story wood structure as part of Milwaukee’s redevelopment of the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

In a city with an abundance of soaring towers, including the world’s tallest skyscraper, Dubai’s newest planned structure is striking for its super narrow design. The 1,247-foot-high Muraba Veil will be no more than a single apartment across, or about 74-feet wide (cnn.com). Each apartment will occupy the full width of the building and have been designed around an inner courtyard with shade and greenery, in keeping with traditional Arabian houses. The 73-story tower will also have high-end amenities and a hybrid of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Pan Pacific Orchard hotel, Photos courtesy of CNN

When it comes to blending indoor with outdoor spaces, Singapore’s Pan Pacific Orchard hotel wins hands down. Named the world’s best new tall building by the Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat, the hotel may not be the tallest, but it is certainly one of the most creative. Tropical plants snake up columns, vines hang from ledges hundreds of feet above the ground while guests swim in a lagoon-like pool. The hotel is comprised of four terraces that are carved into the frame. “Each of the four terraces is based on a different motif relating to Singapore’s tropical environment: forests, beaches, gardens, and clouds, in ascending order” (cnn). This unique design creates open air cavities, provides an oasis away from the urban chaos and affords spectacular views.

*EZ Parque da Cidade, Photo courtesy of Dezeen*

Green spaces and sustainable strategies are at the heart of Sao Paulo’s EZ Parque da Cidade, two residential skyscrapers that “redefine vertical living.” Incorporating locally sourced materials and natural plants, the towers feature “sky gardens”, elevated decks and terraces, and outdoor pools. “An innovative rotating windmill-shaped floorplan…improves cross ventilation, allows for fresh air and natural daylight.. and more comfortable indoor temperature” (dezeen). The towers’ energy efficient approach, including a solar hot water system and strategic irrigation plans, improve urban living, reduce costs and are environmentally friendly.

Skyscrapers are also being viewed as potential sources of energy. The team behind One World Trade Center, in partnership with Energy Vault, have proposed a 3,300-foot-tall tower that would store renewable energy and become the world’s tallest building. Acting as a giant battery, the design “puts weights inside superstructures to power turbines” (popsci). According to CNN, giant blocks would be elevated when the energy demand is low, storing electricity as “potential” energy, and then, when the demand is high, the blocks are lowered, releasing energy which would be converted into electricity. These hollowed out columns resemble elevator shafts, leaving space for residential and commercial tenants. (secretnyc.co)

It may look like a scene from a sci-fi movie, but design studio Oxman recently revealed conceptual plans for Eden Tower, a series of multiple planted platforms. Creating what they term “ecological programming”, the AI-generated design optimizes green architecture, taking into account sunlight, wind, and other factors to create a structure that increases biodiversity. The tower consists of “stacked circles with a central core support” (dezeen). Each level would have a different topography and landscape and include both open air and glass enclosed spaces. Oxman’s vision combines design, technology and biology to create complete synergy with nature and humanity (Oxman).

Skyscrapers have come a long way since the first nine-story Home Life Insurance Building was erected in Chicago in 1885. And by looks of these recent superstructures the sky’s the limit!

Skyscrapers Aim High