Integrating Tall Building Systems and the Surrounding Environment
The idea of integration can be applied to various areas of study. The focus of this research is to look at urban tall building systems and how they interact with the city, as well as with each other. It is a known fact that building systems must work in one accord so it can function accurately and be reliable, hence the term integration. It is a whole new idea when considering how integration also relates to city or community in which the tall building lies. This study will touch on how each individual building systems relates with one another; as well as how the city is integrated with the various tall buildings; and how the city is actually another integrated system by itself. Integration not only makes the building more reliable and effective, it becomes very cost efficient to entwine systems together. It also gives a building and its community an identity, whether its intentions are superior or appalling. The integration process must occur in the following building and urban systems: physical, mechanical, electrical, structural, vertical transportation, infrastructure, public transportation, sewage, utilities (electric and water needs/ distribution), and the actual design of the city and tall buildings. These features of the building also must interact with the different facets of the city in which it rests, which creates another system in itself. Case studies on the John Hancock Center and Petronas Towers will be included in order to observe and comprehend actual examples of a presumably well integrated tall buildings and communities. Based on the findings of these case studies, future research can be conducted to enhance the knowledge in this field.
School:
North Carolina A&T State University
Department:
Architectural Engineering
Research Advisor:
Dr. Mir M. Ali
Department of Research Advisor:
Architecture
Year of Publication:
2004