In the relentless pursuit of vertical expansion, skyscrapers have become the epitome of modern urban development. Yet, as buildings reach for the sky, a critical question emerges: how efficiently are we using the space within these towering structures? A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, led by Özlem Nur Aslantamer of Atilim University, sheds light on this very issue, offering a comparative analysis of space efficiency in supertall buildings across the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
Aslantamer’s research delves into the intricate interplay between architectural form, structural typology, and the distribution of usable floor area within vertical structures. By examining representative case studies from each region, the study reveals significant regional variations in spatial efficiency metrics and core-to-GFA (gross floor area) proportions.
In Asia, towers predominantly adopt a tapered morphological strategy combined with composite structural systems. This design choice results in an average spatial efficiency of approximately 68%, with vertical service cores occupying nearly 30% of the GFA. “The tapered design, while aesthetically pleasing, does come with a trade-off in terms of space efficiency,” Aslantamer notes. This design choice can have significant implications for the energy sector, as more efficient use of space can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs.
Conversely, Middle Eastern high-rises, typically defined by prismatic massing and monolithic concrete structures, demonstrate a higher spatial efficiency—averaging 76%—with a core-to-GFA ratio of around 21%. This efficiency can be attributed to the region’s focus on maximizing usable space, a crucial factor in densely populated urban environments. “The Middle East’s approach to skyscraper design is heavily influenced by the need to accommodate large populations in limited urban footprints,” Aslantamer explains.
North American skyscrapers, frequently employing prismatic or setback configurations alongside reinforced concrete systems, exhibit comparable efficiency rates, with an average of 76% and a similarly proportioned core area. This regional consistency in efficiency rates suggests a mature market where design choices are heavily influenced by economic and regulatory factors.
Despite these regional divergences, the analysis identifies a consistent inverse correlation between building height and spatial efficiency. As buildings get taller, the challenges associated with structural integrity and vertical transportation systems often lead to a decrease in usable floor area. This finding underscores the technical and spatial challenges associated with height-induced inefficiencies in high-rise design.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for efficient, sustainable high-rise buildings will only increase. By optimizing vertical spatial organization, developers and architects can reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and create more sustainable urban environments.
Aslantamer’s study, published in the Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, offers valuable insights into the optimization of vertical spatial organization. As the global push for sustainable urban development continues, this research will undoubtedly shape future developments in the field, guiding architects and developers towards more efficient, sustainable high-rise designs. As we look to the future, the lessons learned from these regional case studies will be instrumental in creating the next generation of skyscrapers—towers that not only reach for the sky but do so with unparalleled efficiency and sustainability.
