tall buildings

a strategic design guide

“When we think about the
world's major cities, we
increasingly think of tall
buildings like London's
Gherkin: such buildings
can develop an iconic
status before they are
even finished.
With ever more proposals
for tall buildings being
made every year, this
strategic guide is very
timely and does a superb
job in presenting an
overview of the technical
aspects of tall buildings in
urban environments.”
Richard Kauntze
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BRITISH COUNCIL FOR OFFICES
 buildings
a strategic design guide
tall
Tall Buildings: A Strategic Design Guide
provides a ‘road map’ of the key aspects
that anyone concerned with the
commissioning, design and
construction of tall buildings needs to
consider in generating, understanding
and evaluating tall buildings proposals.
It is aimed at clients who are
considering commissioning tall
buildings, and at statutory authorities
and other agencies, architects and built
environment professionals who seek
and need to understand the distinct
strategic issues relating to tall buildings.
The skylines of many world cities, and of Illustrated throughout in full colour, the
those cities contending for such recognition, guide’s geographical context is primarily the
are defined and punctuated by tall buildings. UK, with a focus on London. It describes the
The drivers for such dominant skylines range features that distinguish a tall building from
from land scarcity, social needs, high real those of conventional height in technical,
estate values, commercial opportunity and functional, aesthetic and planning terms by
corporate demand through to metropolitan reference to case studies such as the Heron,
signposting. Columbus, London Bridge and Minerva
Tall Buildings: A Strategic Design Guide, led by towers, 122 Leadenhall Street, Canary Wharf,
the British Council for Offices, emphasises Tower 42 and Centrepoint.
the need for contextual relevance and high With attention to tall buildings gathering pace
quality design and considers the complexity across the UK, Tall Buildings: A Strategic
of the local, national and international Design Guide is a valuable reference tool for
agendas for tall buildings. It discusses anyone contemplating a tall building or
architecture, urban design, engineering, life seeking confirmation of the essential criteria
safety, construction, market economics and for sustainable design.
building occupancy – all of which are,
individually and collectively, fundamental to
the commercial viability and sustainability of
tall buildings in an urban habitat.
CONTRIBUTORS
Written by a team of highly respected
practitioners with detailed specialist Harry Bridges Director, Arup
knowledge in their respective fields, and Adrian Godwin Chairman, Lerch, Bates
edited by Ziona Strelitz from ZZA, the guide & Associates
covers the whole spectrum of issues
Fred Pilbrow Director, KPF
concerning the design of tall buildings and
will quickly establish itself as an invaluable Ziona Strelitz Director, ZZA
tool for anyone hoping to understand fully Faith Wainwright Director, Arup
these technically distinct and potentially Steve Watts Partner, Davis Langdon
beautiful structures. Mohsen Zikri Director, Arup
CONTENTS
Technical, cultural and policy context
Aim
What defines a tall building?
Cultural perspective
London’s circumstance
The occupants’ perspective
Why occupy tall buildings?
Contemporary work modes
Design aims: urban focus
Tall building design
Context
Built form
Architectural quality
Public realm
Energy
Building performance: design development
Integrated design
Arranging the building
Vertical transportation
Structural systems
The envelope
Services
PUBLICATION
Safety DETAILS
ISBN 1 85946 168 9
Cost CODE 39213
Primary cost drivers PRICE £25.00
Procuring tall buildings EXTENT 140 pages
The sustainability agenda FORMAT Paperback
 Manchester: Shaping the City covers the
development of Manchester as the original
modern city, focusing on the outstanding
range of architecture in the last twenty years
and examining the entrepreneurial spirit that
has driven so many successful projects.
Councillor Richard Leese
Manchester: Shaping the City is a highly-illustrated
book which celebrates the major redevelopment and
PUBLICATION DETAILS regeneration work that has, and continues to be,
December 2004 undertaken in the city. It includes interviews with key city
Hardback 272 pages leaders and detailed case studies of more than 40
ISBN 1-85946-157-3
developments - such as Urbis, City of Manchester
Stadium, Hulme Arch and the new Civil Justice Centre,,
CODE 36181
the book is the most up-to-date and thorough analysis of
PRICE £19.95 emerging 21st century Manchester.

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