ABSTRACT
Today, developing technology allows us to build sustainable, energy efficient towers to increasing levels of comfort and quality. Furthermore, high-rise construction no longer relies upon a primary steel structure, or upon solid rock foundations. This paper looks at four tall buildings, demonstrating the way in which innovation has affected tower design. Keywords: Headquarters buildings, double-skin glass facade, compartmented structure, naturally ventilated, integrated chill beams, perimeter cores for stability, laser controlled concrete macroframe, stiff concrete core, construction sequence, wind loading deflection, triangular tower, external braced 'skeletal' frame, earthquake damage.
