Vertigo Structures - Exploring the World of the Skyscraper

3.0 credits · Undergraduate

In this course, students will learn about and explore the topic of skyscraper design, with a focus on how their specialized structural systems are configured as well as developing an understanding of how they work to resist the exceptional gravity and lateral loads that are inherent to tall buildings. Several other skyscraper-related topics will also be addressed, including contemporary global distribution, vertical urbanism concepts, relationships to urban context & infrastructures, wind-tunnel simulations, motion damping systems, curtain wall design, evolving occupancy trends & floor-plate configurations, elevator systems, emergency egress strategies, material sustainability concerns and building reuse issues, etc. Student work and expectations will include regularly assigned weekly readings and investigations, active engagement in classroom discussions, as well as a couple of research and visual analysis/representation projects on topics and case-studies of the student’s choosing, along with in-class presentations.