Webster’s dictionary defines skyscrapers as “A skyscraper is a very tall, continuously habitable building.” Any building that has more than 20 stories can be classified as a skyscraper. They can also be linked with the economic prosperity of a country because the more skyscrapers are building, the more economically prosperous the country is. The first skyscraper was built in the United States during the 1800s. They were built because of the limited area for development and also the growing population, which had no place to live. Hence these were used at that time for such practical reasons. They are now made for offices, and also as hotels and malls, and to bring modernization to the city of the country. The crucial materials needed for modern skyscrapers are steel, glass, reinforced concrete, water pumps, and elevators. Although these buildings are very beautiful and good tourist attractions and are of good architect value. I believe that they should not build skyscrapers unless they really have to. They are much reason that these building should not be built, but the main three reasons, they are not economically viable, unsafe during disasters and last are not eco friendly.
Firstly, the skyscrapers are both money and time-consuming. They are very expensive and need 30% more energy to build and operate. They need more material that can withstand the ailments that can bring death to the skyscrapers. They are not economically viable and sometimes would seem a bit impractical. Such buildings are also energy-consuming and require a great deal of electricity, for its lights, elevators, heaters and also other appliances which would be installed by the inhabitants. Overall the modern skyscrapers are a bit impractical and also economic consuming.
Secondly, they are unsafe during disasters. This point is of great importance after the disaster of 9/11 struck. The plane crashed into the building. It was hard to get out of the building; many bodies are still not found. I believe a building should not be so tall so that firefighters cannot reach it. The same thing occurred in many different places, that when the fire broke, the firemen had a hard time reaching the topmost story since the elevator did not work and the stories were incredibly high to reach through steps on time. There are also other dangers, such as storms and other natural calamities, that affect these buildings because of their high altitude. One could easily imagine the skyscrapers collapsing against each other. Builders should take measures, but otherwise, skyscrapers can be a threat.
Lastly, skyscrapers seem to be quite overbearing that boasts power and inequality. And sometimes, they are very disrespected by religion as they are taller than most churches, mosques, and temples. I, for one, am not a religious person, but it does affect me somehow. However, some might disagree with this point, but to me, these buildings portray power, arrogance, and material wellbeing. The design mostly seems inhumane; the built form is used by all the designers, only a few try to do this in an ecological and environmentally responsive way. It sometimes seems that these buildings accommodate only the rich and ambitious leaving the others to only conclude negative feelings about themselves. However, they are working on building what is called green skyscrapers, which are eco-friendly.
In the end, I’d like to say that many people will disagree with these points because these buildings are adored, and people look up to their modernity and the beauty of concrete and glass. But one must also keep in mind its demerits, and it seems that people are willing to risk themselves. So whatever the demerits the skyscrapers are, it seems that they continue to flourish, and their popularity rises no matter what. Though for me, it is hard to understand why skyscrapers such awe and affection in those who seem to have the capacity to adore them in a great deal and seem to overlook their danger and threat. Maybe that is why architects have no reason not to push boundaries to create such buildings and openly make money out of them. Although some are taking measures to prevent its mishaps, it seems that only a few people look at these buildings with suspicion. While others continue to flourish their unadulterated affection, they are still working on it. There is no progress, and not many people seem to mind them, which is quite surprising. And one can only imagine the consequences of such a risk taken so blindly. However, they are new ways that are called green designs, which are about environmental integration, which are more systematic, physical, and temporary and gives an eco-friendly environment to the skyscrapers. These new and fresh solutions can be the most exciting aspects for the future of skyscrapers. Till then, one can only wish that more people would know and understand the mishaps of such skyscrapers, which are impractical and unsafe.
Work Cited
- Skyscraper – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web.
- Definition of a skyscraper – Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Web.