This proposed Skyscraper investigates the challenges and opportunities of a large structure. Highly articulated systems of varying behavioral qualities are most challenging when applied to large scale structures that reach super tall heights. The super tall provides a platform for us to examine the various relationships between digital and physical production that emerge from a highly integrated building typology. Functions, capacities, densities, physical forces and enclosure systems are increasingly concentrated within a constrained building footprint. As we continue to channel increased complexity into expressions of Architecture, new paradigms become necessary for achieving super tall structures. This intensity of qualities in structures of large scales necessitates that associations between geometric constructions, analytical analogues and their physical procedures become more precise and traceable. Discrete computational techniques allow us to build large quantities of information rapidly and with large scale projects those numerical processes can take on computationally intensive requirements. More importantly computational methodologies provide us with the means to maintaining system relationships between framework and the numerous elements derived from each variable change in driving parameters. We internalize mathematical and scientific formulas to the extent that relationships between form and discretized elements reveal problematic conditions as cause and effect functions of the objectives we are optimizing for. Thus, for example in the case of structural design, we establish a direct link between the topology of a building, zones, areas, mass, height and the elements that serve to host structural systems so that we can calculate and simulate loads, resistance, rigidity and the associated mass of any structural solution. Each solution gives us insight into how each driving parameters effects the overall performance of each objective. If we are optimizing for the flexible functionality of a space and minimizing the structural mass, then the solution space will indicate that projecting the structural system to the perimeter has a dual benefit. In some cases, this solution reaches a limit in which case we can begin to incorporate additional performance parameters to calibrate the solution. These can include geometric transformations, daylighting, core dimensions, floor systems, structural systems etc. Introducing as many variables into the computational methodology is imperative for producing an integrated expression of complexity.
Status: Unbuilt
Location: New York, NY, US
My Role: Designer