Jun 294 min read

Elevating Skylines: The Impact of High-Rise Buildings on Urban Spaces

Much has been made in recent years about the decline of the iconic urban downtown. As people scrambled for personal space during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges followed, many urban hubs acutely felt the exodus.

Fast forward to 2024, and major U.S. cities are once again experiencing growth. There is nothing quite like a city skyline and the melting pot of culture found only in urban areas to satisfy the artistic heart. To this end, the high-rise building is one of the key ingredients in making the iconic urban center possible. Keep reading as we explore the various ways that skyscrapers are redefining modern urban spaces.

Reduced Demand on Natural Resources

The need for vertical buildings originally arose in major metropolitan areas such as Chicago and New York City where land was scarce and real estate expensive. This concept has redoubled in 2024, as historically high real estate prices and increased demand for sustainability have architects scrambling for ways to do more with less. By utilizing vertical space, urban centers can save more land for trees, parks, farm areas, and other natural projects. Strong materials, such as steel and ICF, have made it possible to safely build higher while requiring less maintenance.

Limits Suburban Sprawl

During the post-war boom of the 1950’s, more families than ever could afford to buy a car. This allowed them to move out of expensive urban areas to the more affordable suburbs while still maintaining their downtown jobs. Fast forward to 2024, and the negative effects of large-scale “suburbanization” are spiraling out of control. More and more farmland is lost as developers build outward. Animal habitats are compromised as their homes are taken over by rapidly-erected subdivisions. Carbon emissions are intensified as people take hour-long commutes to work each day.

By revitalizing downtowns with modern high-rises, architects can reverse many of the negative effects of suburban sprawl. With people living much closer to work, shopping, and entertainment, the need for lengthy commutes is eliminated. Carefully planned skywalks and public transit makes sense for accomplishing day-to-day tasks.

Architectural Review of the Shard | London | Renzo Piano

Efficient Operations

High-rise buildings allow developers to realize operational efficiencies. They can generate more rent per square foot of land by building upward instead of outward. Common areas and shared spaces create efficiency in design, allowing guests, employees, and tenants to enjoy amenities such as fitness centers, pools, and conference rooms that they may not have been able to realize in smaller homes or facilities.

Beacon of Modernity

With the advent of mass steel production in the 19th century, the race to build the world’s tallest building has symbolized the utmost in modernity and human achievement. This trend continues to this day, with reports circulating that Oklahoma City has its sights set on usurping the tallest skyscraper in the United States crown from New York City.

However, it is more than just height that makes high-rise buildings marvels of architecture. Expansive glass facades create a crystal clear aspect that captures the attention of onlookers. Decorative screen panels and architectural louvers break up space and give the building architectural dimension. Contours and angles make modern skyscrapers far from cookie-cutter and help serve as a distinct emblem of major urban centers.

Breathtaking Exteriors

There has been an increased focus on creating functional exterior space in urban areas in recent years. Not only is time outside proven to boost mood and esteem, but open air has become a priority in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Modern high-rises are meeting this call with implementation of rooftop decks and green roofs. These structures give people unmatched scenic views and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the most bustling urban environments. Furthermore, they are proven to have some real utility in the realms of stormwater management and reducing urban heat islands.

Unmatched Commitment to Safety

Fair or unfair, high-rise buildings face heightened scrutiny in terms of safety. Infrequent as they may be, tragedies such as the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 and the collapse of the Champlain Towers in 2021 stick indelibly in the public consciousness in ways that incidents with smaller buildings do not.

As such, modern skyscrapers are at the vanguard of safe construction practices. Reinforced steel and concrete framing provide the highest resistance to heat, moisture, and impact. Hurricane-grade storm windows help the building achieve the utmost in light transmission without sacrificing the integrity of the building envelope. B-decking provides shear support to the floors of each level, transferring vertical loads horizontally to the building’s frame. The most modern hotel fire safety features, such as sprinklers, smoke baffles, and fire curtains, keep fires local and prevent transfer between different stories of the structure.

Transforming Urban Spaces with High-Rise Buildings

High-rise buildings are quintessential to creating the iconic urban space. From improved sustainability to unmatched design efficiency, skyscrapers form the indelible skyline that make modern urban centers possible.