Designing a high-rise structure requires careful consideration of many factors, such as safety, structural stability, and functional requirements. An elevated construction that is over 75 feet tall, or between 7 and 10 floors, is referred to as a high-rise building. A series of guidelines must be followed during the design process to guarantee that such a building achieves aesthetic and functional goals while remaining safe and sustainable. In this article, we’ll go over the important design concepts for a high-rise building to produce a general design for a specific typology and to demonstrate our points we will come up with suitable examples.

Highrise Building Ideas

Structural support is a crucial requirement for high-rise structure design. The structural structure, façade designs, and sustainability are further important factors. There are several ways in which they differ from traditional buildings, some of which are listed below:

Structural System

The structural system of a high-rise building is an essential element. For a high-rise building to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes, wind, and fire, it must be structurally sound. The structural system must be designed to handle lateral pressures caused by earthquakes, seismic stresses, and vertical loads like the weight of the building and its contents.

Design Guidelines High rise building - Sheet1
Taipei 101, Taiwan. [Photograph] (©Getty Images).
A strong foundation and a flexible internal structure that can support the weight of the building while taking the foundation system into account must also be permitted by the structural system. The structural components must be suitable for the local climate and building codes. The columns, beams, and other structural elements must be strong enough to withstand bending, twisting, and shearing. For instance, Taipei 101 in Taiwan has a unique structural layout that allows it to withstand typhoons and earthquakes.

Building Height and Footprint | High rise building

The main elements to consider while designing a high-rise building are its height and footprint. The first stage of developing a high-rise project is site planning. It is crucial to consider the building’s location, size, topography, structural needs, and other variables affecting its height. The structure’s design must adhere to all applicable zoning and construction laws. Emergency services, public utilities, and transportation should be available nearby.

The footprint should be planned to maximise space usage while allowing sufficient access, airflow, and natural light. For instance, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest structure in the world, has an area of 15,000 square metres and a height of 828 metres.

Design Guidelines High rise building - Sheet2
Burj Khalifa, Dubai. [Photograph] (©Shutterstock).

Façade System

The façade system of a high-rise structure is what makes it unique. The building’s front ought to reflect the neighbourhood’s culture, the architectural style, and the building’s intended use. The building’s construction should provide adequate thermal and acoustic insulation, water resistance, resistance to wind and fire, and interior natural lighting. It should also avoid water incursion. The energy efficiency, sturdiness, and aesthetic appeal of the cladding materials should be considered when choosing them. For instance, The Shard in London’s glass coating lowers solar heat intake while preserving breathtaking city views.

Design Guidelines High rise building - Sheet3
The Shard, London. [Photograph] (©Inhotels).

Vertical Transportation | High rise building

With high-rise structures, vertical mobility is essential, and the design should consider elements like speed, capacity, and accessibility. Elevators should be built to minimise waiting times and offer quick access to various building levels. The number of elevators needed based on occupancy and building use should also be considered during design. For instance, the 73 New York‘s Empire State Building elevators can carry up to 20,000 passengers daily.

Design Guidelines High rise building - Sheet4
The Empire State Building, New York City. [Photograph] (©Shutterstock)

Fire Safety

Fire safety is a crucial factor to consider while designing high-rise buildings. A trustworthy fire detection and suppression system is required for the building. The design should consider egress, fire protection, and smoke control. Also, the building’s structural elements and materials need to be fire-resistant. Also, the plan should provide many exits and ensure that occupants may safely depart the building during a fire. For instance, the Malaysian Petronas Twin Towers are equipped with a range of fire safety measures, including fire-rated doors, smoke detectors, and sprinklers.

Design Guidelines High rise building - Sheet5
Petronas Tower, Malaysia. [Photograph] (©Locationscout)

Wind Engineering | High rise building

A high-rise structure’s design must consider wind engineering. The structure must resist wind loads that can produce lateral and torsional movements. Wind engineering must consider the building’s impact on the neighbourhood and how comfortable its occupants will be in the wind. It is necessary for the building to be built, directed, and massed to decrease the effects of the wind. For instance, The Swiss Re building in London‘s design is based on a performance-based strategy that includes wind load to enhance the performance of the buildings. 

Swiss re Building, London. [Photograph] (©Arquitecturaviva)

Sustainability

must be considered in the design of contemporary high-rise buildings, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and material selection. Systems for waste disposal, recycling, and renewable energy must be installed in the building. Construction materials for the building must be durable and long-lasting. The structure should use its resources best while minimising its harmful environmental effects. For instance, among other ecologically friendly components, the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China, features solar panels, wind turbines, and a rainwater collection system.

Conclusions | High rise building

In conclusion, designing a high-rise structure requires a multidisciplinary approach considering numerous sustainability, technological, and architectural factors. The design recommendations outlined in this article only cover a few important factors that must be considered while creating a high-rise structure. The design must also take into account the user needs, surroundings, and function of the building. These guidelines are crucial for establishing the general design of a high-rise building and ensuring its functionality. High-rise building design can contribute to the shaping of the urban environment and offer a safer and more environmentally friendly constructed environment.

References:

Hullebusch, J. (2022) 7 high rise building design considerations, AirFixture. Available at: https://airfixture.com/blog/high-rise-design-considerations  (Accessed: March 7, 2023).

Design guide – ottawa. Available at: https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/design_guide_tall_bldgs_en.pdf (Accessed: March 7, 2023).

Base4 (2021) High-rise design requirements, BASE4. Available at: https://www.base-4.com/high-rise-p2-2/ (Accessed: March 7, 2023).

Thursby, N. (2023) Ten key considerations when designing Tall buildings, Chapman Taylor. Available at: https://www.chapmantaylor.com/insights/ten-key-considerations-when-designing-tall-buildings (Accessed: March 8, 2023).

Author

Osama Nasir is a creative architecture student with a passion for art and history & a serendipitous explorer as a person. He believes architecture is made up of millions of untold stories preserved in heritage and culture. He wants to portray his concepts into the field of architecture by considering the community needs and bringing the past into the future with a minimal approach.