ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION In many urban locations site boundaries and recession planes determine architectural form. Particularly for medium-to high-rise buildings, economic and pragmatic necessity give rise to ubiquitous rectilinear forms that require architectural approaches other than the manipulation of building massing for them to contribute positively to the urban fabric. With the exception of those buildings completely clad in mirror glass or some other type of opaque cladding, many buildings world-wide share the common feature of some exposed structural elements on their façades. Arising more from an appreciation of the functional advantages perimeter structure affords, than intentionally exposing structure for its own sake, structural members are often exposed. While such structural ordering and patterning of façades often merely reflects that of the surrounding built environment and therefore tends to proliferate architecture of indifferent quality, some architects take a more proactive stance towards exposing structure. They are aware of its potential to enrich exterior architecture.
