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Narrator:
Like giant exclamation marks,
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Skyscrapers punctuate the story
of our urban development.
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People always want to reach.
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There's something heavenly
about it.
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00:00:11,679 --> 00:00:14,847
And people have wanted to
race for height forever.
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Narrator: Developed by
the pioneers of architecture
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In the late 19th century...
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They were, at the time,
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The equivalent of our going
to the moon.
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Narrator: ...These magnificently
designed tower giants
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Urbanized some of the greatest
cities in the world.
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It's about defying gravity
and leaving a sign of humanity.
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Narrator:
From chicago to london,
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From tokyo to dubai,
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Skyscrapers have and continue
to define
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Our contemporary way of life.
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-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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The 1970s was an era of pivotal
change in the united states.
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After a decade of optimism
and prosperity,
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The country was now suffering
through an economic crisis.
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The economy was in recession,
and cities like new york
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Saw a decline in manufacturing,
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And with it,
fewer industrial jobs.
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By 1974, 500,000 people
were out of work,
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And the city
was on the verge of bankruptcy.
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Demographics
were also shifting.
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With crime rates
at an all-time high,
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Middle-class families
began to abandon the city.
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But out of the ashes
rose the world trade center.
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Spearheaded
by david rockefeller,
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The urban renewal project
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Was intended to help
revitalize lower manhattan.
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The world trade center site
and the twin towers, ironically,
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Was really the first time
where a government agency
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Participated in a large-scale
skyscraper development project,
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And the idea was to kind of
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Give it sort of
a shot in the arm, if you will.
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'cause they had this large site
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And because they were interested
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In sort of projecting
new york city
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On the world stage,
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The port authority decided
to build the twin towers,
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The world's largest buildings
at the time.
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♪
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Narrator: At 1,368 feet
and 1,362 feet, respectively,
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The world trade center
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Assumed the title as the tallest
buildings in the world.
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♪
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The world trade center site
is very large,
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And many small
mom-and-pop-type shops
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Were displaced,
and so that whole neighborhood,
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Which was a bit gritty but still
vibrant, was destroyed,
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So that caused
a lot of controversy,
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And I think many new yorkers,
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As is typical
for new, iconic projects,
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They thought those two buildings
were pretty ugly.
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[ chuckles ]
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Ascher: We didn't think
it looked like a building.
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It didn't have a crown.
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It didn't have a typical,
you know,
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Sort of physique
of a skyscraper.
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And the fact that
there were two of them
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Made it marginally better,
but not great.
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Narrator:
Even though the world trade
center received criticism
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For its generic design
and brutal scale,
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The towers contained
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Many innovative structural
engineering features.
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Oldfield: It was one of
the world's first tall buildings
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To use what's called
a framed tube system.
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So, a lot of the structure's
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Placed on the outside
of the building,
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Where these columns with very
close proximity to each other,
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Just a couple of meters apart,
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All pushed to
the edge of the building.
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Now, what that did is it made
the floor plate open plan,
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Allowing for the businesses
at the time to thrive.
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Marfella:
Now, the other innovation
of the world trade center
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Was the pressure-equalized
façade.
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What it is is a façade that is
able to control the weather
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And keep the weather outside
of the building
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By equalizing the wind pressure
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Inside the depth
of the façade system.
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It's a very clever approach
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That controls,
basically, waterproofing
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By opening gaps in the façade,
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And so it was a test bed --
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For the first time,
these two very important aspects
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Of rain engineering and pressure
equalization of façades
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Happened in one building.
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Oldfield: So, the building
was one of the first
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To use what's called a sky lobby
elevator system,
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And in that, occupants would
travel along shuttle elevators
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To an open floor,
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00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:42,147
And from there
move to local elevators,
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Which serve individual floors,
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And that made the whole
vertical transportation process
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Much more efficient,
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And it meant
the core was much smaller.
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Barr: New yorkers always embrace
these vast projects
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With a sort of mix of
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Disapproval and approval
at the same time.
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Willis: They were
a little bit like aliens
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In the fabric of downtown,
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And they seemed to
tip the island a little bit
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Over to the west side.
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They didn't participate
in the shaping of the skyline.
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Narrator:
And as the need to build taller
and stronger was increasing,
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The relationship
between architect and engineer
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Was changing.
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From conception to completion,
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It takes a village
to build a skyscraper.
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There is a huge number
of people involved
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In designing a skyscraper,
a sort of very complex machine.
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You might have a lead consultant
that can offer all the services,
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Or you'll get
maybe an architect
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That will bring
an engineering team.
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So, you may get, you know,
20, 30 different stakeholders
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Within the design team.
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Now, an architect doesn't need
to know as much about structures
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As a structural engineer does,
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00:05:56,824 --> 00:05:59,257
But he or she needs to have some
sort of understanding
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So that they can design better
and also communicate
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With the structural engineer
better, and vice-versa.
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The job as
a skyscraper architect
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Is to listen to everyone,
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To synthesize
what they are telling you,
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And to channel
that into the design.
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♪
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Narrator:
Thanks to architectural
trailblazers of the time --
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Skidmore, owings, & merrill --
this collaborative approach
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Became the standard in chicago
during the 1970s.
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We do architecture
with a capital "a"
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And engineering
with a capital "e."
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It's pretty rare.
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And the three people --
skidmore, owings, and merrill --
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Are long since passed away,
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So you have
a bunch of people --
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Architects who like working
with engineers,
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Engineers who like working
with architects,
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And who are not so driven as to
get their name on the door,
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But are driven.
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Narrator:
Bruce graham and fazlur khan
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00:07:03,157 --> 00:07:08,827
Were s.O.M.'s dream team
in the late 1960s, early '70s.
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Their greatest collaboration
was the 110-story sears tower.
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Oldfield: In the 1970s, you had
the kind of competition
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Between the sears tower,
the hancock tower,
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The world trade center,
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The second boom
of the american skyscraper
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With these latest generation
of towers
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Competing to be
the tallest in the world.
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Chicago has always been
a pragmatic city, fundamentally,
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And I think architects
in chicago
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Have maintained a very kind
of pragmatic approach.
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Narrator:
While designing the sears tower,
graham and khan determined
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That the framing structure
traditionally used to construct
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Tall buildings
was inefficient,
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So they opted
to devise their own.
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The bundled tube system
increased buildings'
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Overall stability,
eliminated internal wind braces,
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And maximized
usable interior space.
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It consisted of numerous
narrow cylinders
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Bundled together
to form a thicker,
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More substantial structure.
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Armstrong: The sears tower
pushed engineering
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And aesthetic expression to tall
building in certain directions,
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And certainly was
structural expressionism --
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The idea of expressing
the structure
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On the exterior
of the building.
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I have four pieces here
and four pieces here.
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Same size and same length.
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So, if I hang this from this,
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You see that it bends
quite a bit, right?
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In this case, I have the same
four pieces of wood,
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But they are glued
at the end,
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So they act together
like a bundled tube.
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Now you see that it bends a lot
less than it did before.
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What we're getting here
is one structural member
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Which is considerably stronger
and stiffer.
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As you go up, you cut off
some of these tubes
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Because it's not needed anymore.
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As the building goes up,
it becomes smaller in footprint.
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But everywhere that these tubes
touch one another,
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They're interacting
with one another,
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They're locked to each other,
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And therefore,
there is no slippage.
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Wood: 50 years ago,
the tall building
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00:09:30,037 --> 00:09:33,905
Was largely
a technical challenge.
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How high can man go?
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00:09:35,442 --> 00:09:39,477
How high can man put materials
above the plane of the earth?
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What are the structural
solutions?
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00:09:41,448 --> 00:09:43,315
What are the air
conditioning solutions
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00:09:43,317 --> 00:09:44,549
And lighting solutions?
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How can he do that safely?
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So, we were doing
the architectural equivalent
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Of walking on the moon
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With those buildings
in the late '60s.
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Narrator:
As skyscrapers reached new
heights in the united states,
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Another country was asserting
themselves into the race.
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00:10:01,602 --> 00:10:03,501
Looking to share
his groundbreaking
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00:10:03,503 --> 00:10:06,438
Structural engineering
concept down under,
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00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:09,174
Fazlur khan headed
to australia,
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00:10:09,176 --> 00:10:11,977
Hoping to make
high-rise history.
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00:10:11,979 --> 00:10:17,849
♪
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00:10:24,291 --> 00:10:30,228
♪
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00:10:30,230 --> 00:10:32,697
Narrator: As the second-largest
city in australia,
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00:10:32,699 --> 00:10:36,067
Melbourne has repeatedly
taken a back seat to sydney
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00:10:36,069 --> 00:10:39,571
In terms of population
and location.
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00:10:39,573 --> 00:10:43,108
But by the 1970s,
this cultural capital
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00:10:43,110 --> 00:10:47,178
Experienced
a sudden skyscraper boom.
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00:10:47,180 --> 00:10:49,247
Designed by
yuncken freeman architects,
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00:10:49,249 --> 00:10:52,984
Along with the assistance of
structural engineer fazlur khan,
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00:10:52,986 --> 00:10:56,621
The elegant 41-story bhp house
on william street
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00:10:56,623 --> 00:11:01,192
Became melbourne's first
skyscraper to surpass 500 feet.
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00:11:03,397 --> 00:11:05,864
Marfella:
That building was an icon
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00:11:05,866 --> 00:11:08,733
For the corporation
of bhp in australia,
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00:11:08,735 --> 00:11:10,669
But it was also a test bed
218
00:11:10,671 --> 00:11:12,604
For the belt and outrigger
truss systems,
219
00:11:12,606 --> 00:11:13,738
Which are used worldwide today
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00:11:13,740 --> 00:11:17,742
To stabilize buildings
against the wind.
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00:11:17,744 --> 00:11:21,880
So, the outrigger system
consists of huge super-columns
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00:11:21,882 --> 00:11:24,816
Along the perimeter
of the building, with a truss --
223
00:11:24,818 --> 00:11:27,118
Or normally a truss
or a large structure --
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00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:29,587
That links these two together.
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Baker:
Where you have the central spine
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00:11:31,024 --> 00:11:34,526
And then you reach out
at certain levels
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00:11:34,528 --> 00:11:38,329
To grab the perimeter
to resist the overturning force.
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Ali: The whole outrigger system
became very popular
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00:11:43,336 --> 00:11:45,437
Because once you have that,
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00:11:45,439 --> 00:11:48,440
You can have
the façade really open.
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00:11:48,442 --> 00:11:51,076
You can put a lot
of glass there.
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00:11:51,078 --> 00:11:52,811
The architects an articulate
the façade
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00:11:52,813 --> 00:11:57,615
In whatever way they want,
and the concept is very simple.
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00:11:57,617 --> 00:12:00,919
Narrator:
Due to an array of innovative
structural design components,
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00:12:00,921 --> 00:12:05,123
The bhp house stood apart from
other skyscrapers of its time.
236
00:12:07,561 --> 00:12:12,897
The building generated its own
electricity using natural gas.
237
00:12:12,899 --> 00:12:15,567
New techniques using steel
and concrete
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00:12:15,569 --> 00:12:19,671
Redefined the building's
structural design.
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00:12:19,673 --> 00:12:22,607
Unlike traditional layouts,
the open floor plan
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00:12:22,609 --> 00:12:25,510
Allowed for more use
of the internal space,
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00:12:25,512 --> 00:12:28,146
And the sheer-glazed
exterior curtain walls
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00:12:28,148 --> 00:12:30,982
Increased the building's
overall efficiency.
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00:12:33,253 --> 00:12:35,854
It was clear that australia was
breaking away
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00:12:35,856 --> 00:12:37,756
From traditional architecture
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00:12:37,758 --> 00:12:40,592
And influencing
the future of engineering.
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00:12:43,463 --> 00:12:47,098
Marfella:
Australia became so confident
building with concrete
247
00:12:47,100 --> 00:12:49,667
To the extent to even develop
its own techniques
248
00:12:49,669 --> 00:12:51,302
That were unique
from the rest of the world,
249
00:12:51,304 --> 00:12:55,540
And it led the world sometimes
in the concrete construction
250
00:12:55,542 --> 00:12:57,442
From the '60s
through the '70s.
251
00:12:57,444 --> 00:13:00,445
For example, the jump form
technique of construction,
252
00:13:00,447 --> 00:13:03,815
Of course, was patented
in melbourne in the mid-'70s,
253
00:13:03,817 --> 00:13:05,550
And that is the same technology
254
00:13:05,552 --> 00:13:10,655
That was used to build
the burj khalifa in dubai.
255
00:13:13,493 --> 00:13:15,293
Narrator:
Back in the united states,
256
00:13:15,295 --> 00:13:17,896
One of the nation's
oldest cities -- boston --
257
00:13:17,898 --> 00:13:22,233
Was on the verge of
its own architectural boom.
258
00:13:22,235 --> 00:13:24,769
Looking to distinguish itself
from other cities
259
00:13:24,771 --> 00:13:28,206
Across the country,
boston was eager to create
260
00:13:28,208 --> 00:13:31,810
A significant architectural
landmark of its own.
261
00:13:35,448 --> 00:13:38,283
Architect henry n. Cobb
and the design firm
262
00:13:38,285 --> 00:13:42,453
Were assigned the task of
creating the john hancock tower.
263
00:13:42,455 --> 00:13:45,490
Their challenge --
to design a modern skyscraper
264
00:13:45,492 --> 00:13:48,359
That wouldn't overshadow
the historical landmarks
265
00:13:48,361 --> 00:13:51,162
That surrounded it.
266
00:13:51,164 --> 00:13:53,364
Their ingenious solution?
267
00:13:53,366 --> 00:13:56,301
Glass.
268
00:13:56,303 --> 00:13:58,336
Marfella: What the architect
tried to do -- I.M. Pei --
269
00:13:58,338 --> 00:14:01,472
Was to have a façade
that was double-glazed,
270
00:14:01,474 --> 00:14:04,075
And he had
curtain-wall panels
271
00:14:04,077 --> 00:14:07,345
That were stretching
from floor-to-floor.
272
00:14:07,347 --> 00:14:10,081
Narrator:
To make the face of the tower
appear smaller,
273
00:14:10,083 --> 00:14:15,286
The design team used reflective
double-layered mirror glass.
274
00:14:15,288 --> 00:14:17,722
The material allowed
the lower levels of the tower
275
00:14:17,724 --> 00:14:20,892
To reflect the buildings
in the surrounding area,
276
00:14:20,894 --> 00:14:22,727
Allowing the rest of the tower
277
00:14:22,729 --> 00:14:26,497
To seemingly disappear
into the sky.
278
00:14:26,499 --> 00:14:29,467
Marfella:
So, it was a fairly large
piece of glass, double-glazed.
279
00:14:29,469 --> 00:14:31,903
It was quite different
from the one we had today.
280
00:14:31,905 --> 00:14:34,439
So, the space between
the double-glaze
281
00:14:34,441 --> 00:14:37,575
Was soldered
to one side of the glass,
282
00:14:37,577 --> 00:14:39,444
And because the glass
was reflective,
283
00:14:39,446 --> 00:14:43,248
It had a reflective coating
that was soldered,
284
00:14:43,250 --> 00:14:46,718
Also, through the space.
285
00:14:46,720 --> 00:14:48,119
Howeler:
And it was a new material.
286
00:14:48,121 --> 00:14:50,622
And so this question of risk --
287
00:14:50,624 --> 00:14:53,625
You know, new technologies
come with risks.
288
00:14:53,627 --> 00:14:55,793
Reporter: When the john hancock
mutual life insurance company
289
00:14:55,795 --> 00:14:58,363
Bought this design for
their new boston headquarters,
290
00:14:58,365 --> 00:15:00,031
They figured
the reflective glass
291
00:15:00,033 --> 00:15:02,934
Would present a picture
of the city in its best light
292
00:15:02,936 --> 00:15:05,837
And be a good reflection
on the company, as well.
293
00:15:05,839 --> 00:15:07,538
That was before
the reflective glass
294
00:15:07,540 --> 00:15:11,042
Began popping out
and splattering downtown boston.
295
00:15:11,044 --> 00:15:12,911
Marfella: And so under
certain wind condition,
296
00:15:12,913 --> 00:15:16,748
These glass panels started
to fail under fatigue
297
00:15:16,750 --> 00:15:20,051
And they started to fall.
298
00:15:20,053 --> 00:15:23,922
Narrator: In the winter of 1973,
prior to its completion,
299
00:15:23,924 --> 00:15:28,459
The hancock tower tragically
started to fall apart.
300
00:15:28,461 --> 00:15:33,097
One by one, it's mammoth
glass plates started to pop out
301
00:15:33,099 --> 00:15:36,267
And plummet hundreds of feet
to the street.
302
00:15:36,269 --> 00:15:38,836
The design failure provided
architects
303
00:15:38,838 --> 00:15:42,473
With an opportunity
to learn from its mistakes.
304
00:15:42,475 --> 00:15:43,942
Wells: It's a relatively
small step to say,
305
00:15:43,944 --> 00:15:46,244
"right, we will not
mechanically glaze
306
00:15:46,246 --> 00:15:48,246
This glass onto this building.
307
00:15:48,248 --> 00:15:50,915
We will actually stick it on
with silicone."
308
00:15:50,917 --> 00:15:52,517
But then you roll that out
to the scale
309
00:15:52,519 --> 00:15:55,119
Of the john hancock tower
and you have a real setback.
310
00:15:55,121 --> 00:15:59,891
Reporter:
Now every painful pane is being
replaced by cdx-grade plywood --
311
00:15:59,893 --> 00:16:02,860
Worth about $126,000.
312
00:16:02,862 --> 00:16:05,363
Eventually, a different type
of glass will replace
313
00:16:05,365 --> 00:16:09,634
The plywood at a cost
of more than $7 million.
314
00:16:09,636 --> 00:16:11,102
Wells:
Engineering is what it is.
315
00:16:11,104 --> 00:16:14,839
It's actually problem solving
in uncertain conditions.
316
00:16:14,841 --> 00:16:18,509
Therefore, it is inevitable that
occasionally it will jump out
317
00:16:18,511 --> 00:16:20,144
And bite you.
318
00:16:23,450 --> 00:16:25,950
Narrator: From its development,
citicorp center --
319
00:16:25,952 --> 00:16:29,721
Now the citigroup center --
was an engineering challenge.
320
00:16:29,723 --> 00:16:33,891
When planning for the skyscraper
began in the early 1970s,
321
00:16:33,893 --> 00:16:35,827
The northwest corner
of the building site
322
00:16:35,829 --> 00:16:38,429
Was occupied
by saint peter's church,
323
00:16:38,431 --> 00:16:41,666
One of the city's
historical landmarks.
324
00:16:41,668 --> 00:16:45,603
Luckily, the church allowed
citicorp to build its skyscraper
325
00:16:45,605 --> 00:16:47,405
Under one condition --
326
00:16:47,407 --> 00:16:50,508
A new church would have to be
built on the same corner
327
00:16:50,510 --> 00:16:53,177
With no connection
to the building.
328
00:16:53,179 --> 00:16:55,680
Since the city was
suffering economically,
329
00:16:55,682 --> 00:16:57,849
Most local architects
were fearful
330
00:16:57,851 --> 00:17:00,251
That designing a building
of this magnitude
331
00:17:00,253 --> 00:17:02,253
Was too big of a risk.
332
00:17:02,255 --> 00:17:06,524
But architect hugh stubbins
was willing to roll the dice.
333
00:17:06,526 --> 00:17:08,960
His intention for
the citicorp center
334
00:17:08,962 --> 00:17:12,463
Was as righteous as the church
that owned the land.
335
00:17:12,465 --> 00:17:17,168
♪
336
00:17:23,543 --> 00:17:27,712
♪
337
00:17:27,714 --> 00:17:30,548
Narrator: Across the world,
the 1970s was a period
338
00:17:30,550 --> 00:17:33,084
Of great economic hardship.
339
00:17:33,086 --> 00:17:35,319
Cities like new york and chicago
340
00:17:35,321 --> 00:17:39,424
Had endured some of
its worst residual effects.
341
00:17:39,426 --> 00:17:42,660
As many corporations were forced
to close their doors,
342
00:17:42,662 --> 00:17:45,730
Many people lost their jobs.
343
00:17:45,732 --> 00:17:49,000
So when plans for the citicorp
center were underway,
344
00:17:49,002 --> 00:17:52,403
The community rallied together
to do whatever they could
345
00:17:52,405 --> 00:17:56,774
To erect a building
that could defy the odds.
346
00:17:56,776 --> 00:18:00,478
The center was conceived
on the back of a paper napkin --
347
00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:04,382
The architect's
pre-digital sketchpad.
348
00:18:04,384 --> 00:18:06,551
Oldfield:
The architect hugh stubbins
349
00:18:06,553 --> 00:18:08,553
And the engineer
william lemessurier
350
00:18:08,555 --> 00:18:11,622
Came up with this idea
of four legs
351
00:18:11,624 --> 00:18:14,592
Which lift the building up
above the church,
352
00:18:14,594 --> 00:18:16,461
And those legs are
not in the corners
353
00:18:16,463 --> 00:18:17,929
Where they would be ideal --
354
00:18:17,931 --> 00:18:19,230
They're in the center
of the building,
355
00:18:19,232 --> 00:18:25,736
Which provides the very unique
ground floor experience.
356
00:18:25,738 --> 00:18:29,373
Narrator:
Lemessurier designed a system
of stacked load-baring braces
357
00:18:29,375 --> 00:18:32,076
In the form
of inverted chevrons.
358
00:18:32,078 --> 00:18:35,213
Each chevron would redirect
the loads to the center
359
00:18:35,215 --> 00:18:39,550
Then downward into the ground
through the columns.
360
00:18:39,552 --> 00:18:42,920
Unfortunately, the building's
chevron pattern of structural
361
00:18:42,922 --> 00:18:46,858
Bracing did not account for one
major design challenge --
362
00:18:46,860 --> 00:18:50,294
The wind, an issue brought
to lemessurier's attention
363
00:18:50,296 --> 00:18:54,065
A year after construction.
364
00:18:54,067 --> 00:18:57,502
Oldfield:
And he had a very, kind of,
moral quandary about what to do
365
00:18:57,504 --> 00:19:00,104
'cause his reputation
was on the line at one hand,
366
00:19:00,106 --> 00:19:01,672
But on the other hand,
you know,
367
00:19:01,674 --> 00:19:04,876
The safety of the building
was on the line.
368
00:19:04,878 --> 00:19:07,845
What happened was he approached
the owner of the building,
369
00:19:07,847 --> 00:19:11,749
And at night they re-welded
all the joints
370
00:19:11,751 --> 00:19:13,184
In the chevrons
of the building
371
00:19:13,186 --> 00:19:15,019
So at night,
apparently you could see
372
00:19:15,021 --> 00:19:19,023
The welding torches repairing
or improving the building
373
00:19:19,025 --> 00:19:22,860
To increase
its structural performance.
374
00:19:22,862 --> 00:19:25,863
Narrator:
Working throughout the night,
emergency construction crews
375
00:19:25,865 --> 00:19:28,699
Took immediate action
to rule out the possibility
376
00:19:28,701 --> 00:19:33,604
Of any future catastrophic
failures to the building.
377
00:19:33,606 --> 00:19:36,641
So it really is a story
of the difference --
378
00:19:36,643 --> 00:19:40,344
What can happen if we change
a bolt and a welded plate --
379
00:19:40,346 --> 00:19:42,980
The importance of the detail
380
00:19:42,982 --> 00:19:47,051
In the structural performance
of a tall building.
381
00:19:47,053 --> 00:19:48,386
Marfella: It was
one of the first towers --
382
00:19:48,388 --> 00:19:50,821
It was still modernist
in its image,
383
00:19:50,823 --> 00:19:52,356
But it had a right top.
384
00:19:52,358 --> 00:19:54,759
It was not a flat top.
385
00:19:54,761 --> 00:19:57,228
But that wasn't the only one
that was trying to do that.
386
00:19:57,230 --> 00:20:00,965
So from the '70s, we start to
see a shift from the flat tops.
387
00:20:00,967 --> 00:20:03,534
And so perhaps the architect
that publicized
388
00:20:03,536 --> 00:20:04,869
More of this new approach
in topping
389
00:20:04,871 --> 00:20:06,370
Is philip johnson.
390
00:20:06,372 --> 00:20:08,573
♪
391
00:20:08,575 --> 00:20:11,542
Narrator: Compared to the '70s,
the 1980s was a time
392
00:20:11,544 --> 00:20:14,812
Of restrained optimism
in new york city.
393
00:20:14,814 --> 00:20:16,814
Even though businesses
were booming,
394
00:20:16,816 --> 00:20:18,149
The decade was described
395
00:20:18,151 --> 00:20:21,652
As a colorful conundrum
of haves and have-nots
396
00:20:21,654 --> 00:20:27,058
And set the tone for the rise
of a new era of architecture --
397
00:20:27,060 --> 00:20:29,060
Deconstructivism.
398
00:20:31,564 --> 00:20:34,932
As one of the most influential
american architects of the time,
399
00:20:34,934 --> 00:20:36,701
Philip johnson embraced
400
00:20:36,703 --> 00:20:39,637
Both international
and postmodern architecture.
401
00:20:39,639 --> 00:20:44,375
Mixing his unique eye for form
with a minimalistic aesthetic,
402
00:20:44,377 --> 00:20:46,377
Johnson yearned for a return
403
00:20:46,379 --> 00:20:49,914
To the golden age
of the skyscraper.
404
00:20:49,916 --> 00:20:52,717
Marfella:
It was the famous, you know,
motto of philip johnson --
405
00:20:52,719 --> 00:20:57,922
I'd rather be interesting
than modernist or monotonous.
406
00:20:57,924 --> 00:21:00,825
Douglas:
In the '20s, they were building
these beautiful buildings,
407
00:21:00,827 --> 00:21:02,460
Art-deco.
408
00:21:02,462 --> 00:21:05,263
But then, under the influence
409
00:21:05,265 --> 00:21:08,899
Of gropius
and mies van der rohe,
410
00:21:08,901 --> 00:21:13,304
They start to build
these just boxes -- box boxes.
411
00:21:15,541 --> 00:21:17,942
Armstrong: Modern buildings
were seen as becoming
412
00:21:17,944 --> 00:21:21,112
Too anonymous -- to ubiquitous.
413
00:21:21,114 --> 00:21:25,916
The glass box skyscraper became
developed over and over again.
414
00:21:25,918 --> 00:21:30,554
It lost some of the purity and
luster that it had originally.
415
00:21:30,556 --> 00:21:32,423
It lays the groundwork
for postmodernism
416
00:21:32,425 --> 00:21:34,525
In many cities --
in many countries, too.
417
00:21:34,527 --> 00:21:37,728
And appreciation of older
buildings,
418
00:21:37,730 --> 00:21:41,766
An appreciation of masonry,
as opposed to steel and glass.
419
00:21:41,768 --> 00:21:45,569
An appreciation of ornament
and trying to create an ornament
420
00:21:45,571 --> 00:21:47,238
Out of new materials, even.
421
00:21:47,240 --> 00:21:51,008
♪
422
00:21:51,010 --> 00:21:53,377
Ultimately,
tall buildings were going back
423
00:21:53,379 --> 00:21:56,714
To the origins
of the skyscrapers in new york
424
00:21:56,716 --> 00:22:01,018
With the spires and the need
to advertise the space
425
00:22:01,020 --> 00:22:04,588
In order to find enough tenants.
426
00:22:04,590 --> 00:22:08,526
Narrator:
Everything old was new again.
427
00:22:08,528 --> 00:22:11,395
Armstrong: Postmodernism enables
architects to look back
428
00:22:11,397 --> 00:22:14,365
At historical styles,
to reconsider them,
429
00:22:14,367 --> 00:22:18,502
And to re-employ them,
and enabling buildings,
430
00:22:18,504 --> 00:22:24,008
Once again, to have scale,
which had been kind of ignored.
431
00:22:24,010 --> 00:22:27,478
Narrator: Rising from a sea
of glass in midtown manhattan,
432
00:22:27,480 --> 00:22:30,648
The building's impact on the
history of postmodernism
433
00:22:30,650 --> 00:22:34,885
And johnson's legacy
was a huge win for new york city
434
00:22:34,887 --> 00:22:37,955
And a new age for architecture.
435
00:22:37,957 --> 00:22:41,759
The at&t tower is perhaps
the best example
436
00:22:41,761 --> 00:22:44,395
Of a postmodern skyscraper --
437
00:22:44,397 --> 00:22:48,699
Rejection of the functionality
438
00:22:48,701 --> 00:22:51,135
And restraint of the glass boxes
439
00:22:51,137 --> 00:22:55,406
That came in the decades
beforehand.
440
00:22:55,408 --> 00:22:57,608
Narrator: Despite prolonged
criticism,
441
00:22:57,610 --> 00:23:00,511
Johnson's at&t building
proved to the world
442
00:23:00,513 --> 00:23:03,614
That an evolutionary phase
of architecture had officially
443
00:23:03,616 --> 00:23:06,317
Arrived and was here to stay.
444
00:23:06,319 --> 00:23:10,921
♪
445
00:23:17,897 --> 00:23:22,433
♪
446
00:23:22,435 --> 00:23:25,436
Narrator:
In a word, american architect
philip johnson's
447
00:23:25,438 --> 00:23:32,042
At&t building was monumental
standing 647 feet tall,
448
00:23:32,044 --> 00:23:35,312
This 37-story high rise
skyscraper located
449
00:23:35,314 --> 00:23:38,249
On madison avenue
immediately stirred up
450
00:23:38,251 --> 00:23:41,552
Its fair share of controversy.
451
00:23:41,554 --> 00:23:44,789
It certainly became a symbol
of postmodern high rises
452
00:23:44,791 --> 00:23:46,524
In the 1980s...
453
00:23:46,526 --> 00:23:48,592
With it's, you know,
kind of chippendales top
454
00:23:48,594 --> 00:23:53,063
As it was derided in some ways,
but also praised in many ways.
455
00:23:53,065 --> 00:23:55,499
Narrator: The building also
referenced historic forms
456
00:23:55,501 --> 00:23:58,702
From the romanesque
in florentine renaissance.
457
00:23:58,704 --> 00:24:00,037
The entrance was modeled
458
00:24:00,039 --> 00:24:04,675
On brunelleschi's pazzi
chapel colonnade.
459
00:24:04,677 --> 00:24:09,680
Oldfield:
But, for me, its best feature
it is generous public entrance,
460
00:24:09,682 --> 00:24:13,551
A seven-story archway --
a kind of heroic,
461
00:24:13,553 --> 00:24:16,353
Kind of, entrance
to the building at ground,
462
00:24:16,355 --> 00:24:18,055
Clad in glass an ceramics.
463
00:24:18,057 --> 00:24:19,590
It's beautiful.
464
00:24:19,592 --> 00:24:22,026
Armstrong:
Postmodernism is, like,
the third realm.
465
00:24:22,028 --> 00:24:23,828
You know, every time
you bring it up,
466
00:24:23,830 --> 00:24:26,530
People are going to react
to it in different ways.
467
00:24:26,532 --> 00:24:30,768
And I always say there are two
ways to look at postmodernism.
468
00:24:30,770 --> 00:24:33,971
One is with a capital "p," and
the other's with a small "p".
469
00:24:33,973 --> 00:24:36,406
One is what follows
after modernism,
470
00:24:36,408 --> 00:24:38,542
And the other is a style.
471
00:24:38,544 --> 00:24:42,680
And the style is problematic
because appropriation,
472
00:24:42,682 --> 00:24:46,884
Again, exaggeration
of classical ornamentation
473
00:24:46,886 --> 00:24:51,155
And just applying it
to everything was a big problem
474
00:24:51,157 --> 00:24:53,224
In that style.
475
00:24:53,226 --> 00:24:55,693
Narrator: Structurally,
the at&t's design
476
00:24:55,695 --> 00:24:57,795
Was inherently modern.
477
00:24:57,797 --> 00:24:59,930
Supported by a tubular frame,
478
00:24:59,932 --> 00:25:01,866
Its columns connected
with trusses
479
00:25:01,868 --> 00:25:04,902
A the top and the bottom.
480
00:25:04,904 --> 00:25:09,039
But instead of using modernism's
customary glass curtain walls,
481
00:25:09,041 --> 00:25:12,776
The building's steel body
was covered in paint granite.
482
00:25:15,448 --> 00:25:17,948
While the at&t building
remained respectful
483
00:25:17,950 --> 00:25:20,084
To the other buildings
on the block,
484
00:25:20,086 --> 00:25:22,887
Johnson's next
postmodernist monolith
485
00:25:22,889 --> 00:25:26,156
Showcased a daring shift
from the grid.
486
00:25:28,160 --> 00:25:30,294
Located on 53rd and 3rd,
487
00:25:30,296 --> 00:25:32,429
The lipstick building
was quickly dubbed
488
00:25:32,431 --> 00:25:35,900
An oval building
in a square environment.
489
00:25:35,902 --> 00:25:39,737
Due in part by the unique way
in which its soaring setbacks
490
00:25:39,739 --> 00:25:44,475
Telescoped out of
the skyscraper's curved shaft.
491
00:25:44,477 --> 00:25:47,111
There's no denying johnson
created a building
492
00:25:47,113 --> 00:25:48,646
That attracted attention.
493
00:25:48,648 --> 00:25:53,484
Wells:
A skyscraper, traditionally,
has been an expression
494
00:25:53,486 --> 00:25:56,587
Of a particular
sort of approach to --
495
00:25:56,589 --> 00:26:00,491
Let's call it late capitalism --
a particular way of living.
496
00:26:00,493 --> 00:26:02,893
Marfella:
The tall building adapts itself
to the new culture
497
00:26:02,895 --> 00:26:04,228
And carries on.
498
00:26:04,230 --> 00:26:06,997
Philip johnson started
to understand, for example,
499
00:26:06,999 --> 00:26:09,667
This so-called
cross-quality paradox.
500
00:26:09,669 --> 00:26:13,470
You could invest a little bit
more on the image
501
00:26:13,472 --> 00:26:15,105
For a greater return,
502
00:26:15,107 --> 00:26:19,176
Rather than being like
everybody else.
503
00:26:19,178 --> 00:26:22,346
Narrator:
The polished paint granite
was dramatic and expensive,
504
00:26:22,348 --> 00:26:25,382
Which enticed many
wealthy tenants to move in.
505
00:26:27,486 --> 00:26:30,187
But fortunes can turn
on a dime --
506
00:26:30,189 --> 00:26:36,026
A brutal reality many people
experienced in the late 1980s.
507
00:26:36,028 --> 00:26:41,031
October 19, 1987,
also known as "black Monday,"
508
00:26:41,033 --> 00:26:45,035
Was a dark day for the dow --
when it recorded its biggest
509
00:26:45,037 --> 00:26:49,373
One-day percentage
drop in history.
510
00:26:49,375 --> 00:26:51,208
The fate of the
skyscraper industry
511
00:26:51,210 --> 00:26:53,777
And its ties to the cycles
of big business
512
00:26:53,779 --> 00:26:57,448
Have always been
a subject of speculation.
513
00:26:57,450 --> 00:27:00,017
But no matter the location
or the decade,
514
00:27:00,019 --> 00:27:03,520
Some economists believe
the height of tall buildings
515
00:27:03,522 --> 00:27:05,623
Acted like economic
measurements,
516
00:27:05,625 --> 00:27:09,994
Predicting either
booms or busts.
517
00:27:09,996 --> 00:27:11,895
Watts: The skyscraper index
was developed
518
00:27:11,897 --> 00:27:13,797
By an analyst
called andrew lawrence.
519
00:27:13,799 --> 00:27:15,065
It convened a study
520
00:27:15,067 --> 00:27:19,436
Where he created
a very strong correlation
521
00:27:19,438 --> 00:27:23,807
Between the completion
of the world's tallest building
522
00:27:23,809 --> 00:27:26,910
And widespread
financial collapse.
523
00:27:26,912 --> 00:27:29,947
And so, for example,
the chrysler building
524
00:27:29,949 --> 00:27:32,049
And the empire state
building in new york
525
00:27:32,051 --> 00:27:34,418
Kind of sided
with the great depression.
526
00:27:34,420 --> 00:27:37,021
Completion of the petronas
towers in kuala lumpur
527
00:27:37,023 --> 00:27:39,723
Coincided with the asian
financial crisis.
528
00:27:39,725 --> 00:27:42,593
And there are various
other examples, as well.
529
00:27:42,595 --> 00:27:44,194
Marfella:
He sort of drew this conclusion
530
00:27:44,196 --> 00:27:47,164
That when the world's tallest
buildings are completed,
531
00:27:47,166 --> 00:27:49,933
We should, you know,
head for the hills. Okay.
532
00:27:49,935 --> 00:27:54,304
It's very easy for us to create
patterns that don't exist.
533
00:27:54,306 --> 00:27:56,807
To a certain degree,
they are hostages to fortune.
534
00:27:56,809 --> 00:27:59,543
You might start a building
in a boom
535
00:27:59,545 --> 00:28:02,279
And finish it in a bust,
or vice versa.
536
00:28:02,281 --> 00:28:06,450
So they are more difficult
to predict than something
537
00:28:06,452 --> 00:28:09,286
Which is simpler
and shorter in program.
538
00:28:09,288 --> 00:28:11,121
If you look over time,
539
00:28:11,123 --> 00:28:13,757
The tallest buildings are always
at the end of the bubble.
540
00:28:13,759 --> 00:28:15,826
Everybody's really interested
in real estate.
541
00:28:15,828 --> 00:28:18,629
They think prices are gonna
continue to go up forever.
542
00:28:18,631 --> 00:28:20,197
And so you build a really tall
building,
543
00:28:20,199 --> 00:28:22,466
And then by the time
you finish building it,
544
00:28:22,468 --> 00:28:23,767
The market has turned.
545
00:28:23,769 --> 00:28:26,537
And that's all about
these economic cycles.
546
00:28:26,539 --> 00:28:28,439
Because people don't go to
build tall
547
00:28:28,441 --> 00:28:31,842
Until they're feeling
that heady environment in,
548
00:28:31,844 --> 00:28:33,110
You know, the economy.
549
00:28:33,112 --> 00:28:34,445
And then eventually, it turns.
550
00:28:34,447 --> 00:28:36,447
So, you know, the job
of the real estate developers
551
00:28:36,449 --> 00:28:39,183
Try to make sure they understand
where they are in that cycle.
552
00:28:39,185 --> 00:28:40,784
You got to catch it right.
553
00:28:40,786 --> 00:28:45,856
♪
554
00:28:52,398 --> 00:28:58,368
♪
555
00:28:58,370 --> 00:29:00,838
Narrator: Whether consequential
or coincidental,
556
00:29:00,840 --> 00:29:02,840
Skyscrapers have always provided
557
00:29:02,842 --> 00:29:05,309
A way to stimulate
economic growth
558
00:29:05,311 --> 00:29:07,578
And utilize new technology.
559
00:29:10,416 --> 00:29:12,282
And while the function
of skyscrapers
560
00:29:12,284 --> 00:29:15,953
Remain true to their cause,
in the '80s and early '90s,
561
00:29:15,955 --> 00:29:22,426
Their form continued to surprise
and inspire worldwide.
562
00:29:22,428 --> 00:29:24,161
Barr: The story about
the skyscraper, then,
563
00:29:24,163 --> 00:29:27,464
Is about the movement
away from the united states.
564
00:29:27,466 --> 00:29:29,266
Watts: You know, those cities
are actually competing
565
00:29:29,268 --> 00:29:30,768
On a global stage,
566
00:29:30,770 --> 00:29:33,470
And they use
these landmark buildings
567
00:29:33,472 --> 00:29:35,706
To signify their prosperity
and progress.
568
00:29:35,708 --> 00:29:37,307
There's no doubt about that.
569
00:29:37,309 --> 00:29:42,146
Willis: These buildings define
a kind of center boast
570
00:29:42,148 --> 00:29:44,648
Of the modernity of that place
571
00:29:44,650 --> 00:29:47,351
And its suitability
for business.
572
00:29:47,353 --> 00:29:50,154
You come to a city,
and you see these edifices,
573
00:29:50,156 --> 00:29:53,090
And you're impressed
rather than this landscape
574
00:29:53,092 --> 00:29:56,393
Of sort of low rise.
575
00:29:56,395 --> 00:29:59,296
Poon: First, high-end companies
will move in,
576
00:29:59,298 --> 00:30:01,832
And also they bring
in a lot of modernization
577
00:30:01,834 --> 00:30:04,968
With all of the infrastructure
associated with that
578
00:30:04,970 --> 00:30:07,037
And all the jobs
that are created
579
00:30:07,039 --> 00:30:10,607
And also really bring
the existing city
580
00:30:10,609 --> 00:30:13,577
Into the next level
of modernization.
581
00:30:15,581 --> 00:30:19,383
Narrator:
Hong kong -- 100 years ago,
a rocky, inhospitable island
582
00:30:19,385 --> 00:30:22,653
Is today one of the world's
busiest and most crowded cities.
583
00:30:24,723 --> 00:30:26,456
By the mid-'80s, hong kong
584
00:30:26,458 --> 00:30:29,126
Was already
bursting at the seams.
585
00:30:29,128 --> 00:30:31,929
Despite a decade
of relatively slow growth,
586
00:30:31,931 --> 00:30:33,163
It was still one of the most
587
00:30:33,165 --> 00:30:36,967
Heavily populated cities
on earth.
588
00:30:36,969 --> 00:30:41,104
An excellent example of a city
where the towers are integrated
589
00:30:41,106 --> 00:30:43,307
Into the infrastructures
is hong kong.
590
00:30:43,309 --> 00:30:44,641
You know, you've got
one of the world's
591
00:30:44,643 --> 00:30:47,477
Best mass rapid-transit systems,
592
00:30:47,479 --> 00:30:51,448
Points of density and towers
built on and around stations,
593
00:30:51,450 --> 00:30:55,752
And what that means is most
people live within a 500-meter,
594
00:30:55,754 --> 00:31:00,424
800-meter
walk of a transit stop.
595
00:31:00,426 --> 00:31:02,759
Narrator: While other architects
across asia
596
00:31:02,761 --> 00:31:04,962
Were concerned
that too many skyscrapers
597
00:31:04,964 --> 00:31:09,299
Might affect the spiritual
context of an urban environment,
598
00:31:09,301 --> 00:31:11,101
Architects in hong kong
599
00:31:11,103 --> 00:31:16,273
Were focused on how they could
add more to its skyline.
600
00:31:16,275 --> 00:31:17,674
Morris: I did a lot of work
in hong kong,
601
00:31:17,676 --> 00:31:19,576
And hong kong was just
an adrenaline rush
602
00:31:19,578 --> 00:31:22,179
Of "how on earth
are we going to build
603
00:31:22,181 --> 00:31:23,513
In the locations
we're building?"
604
00:31:23,515 --> 00:31:25,916
And certainly, in terms
of these high-density areas,
605
00:31:25,918 --> 00:31:28,418
Literally building two
or three meters next door
606
00:31:28,420 --> 00:31:30,020
To another building as well.
607
00:31:30,022 --> 00:31:31,321
So that was pretty challenging.
608
00:31:31,323 --> 00:31:33,991
But I think just the speed
of construction
609
00:31:33,993 --> 00:31:38,462
And how you go from the drawing
side to the construction side.
610
00:31:38,464 --> 00:31:42,232
That was the huge challenge
because getting buildings up,
611
00:31:42,234 --> 00:31:45,302
Getting people in was
the key driver for developers.
612
00:31:45,304 --> 00:31:47,871
I've never seen
anything like it.
613
00:31:47,873 --> 00:31:49,406
Narrator:
Hong kong was determined
614
00:31:49,408 --> 00:31:53,076
To become the number-one city
in the world to do business
615
00:31:53,078 --> 00:31:57,281
By providing a bridge
between the east and west.
616
00:31:57,283 --> 00:32:00,550
Man: The world's most expensive
new office building --
617
00:32:00,552 --> 00:32:03,053
It cost about
600-million pounds,
618
00:32:03,055 --> 00:32:06,056
And even the critics applaud
the revolutionary design,
619
00:32:06,058 --> 00:32:09,927
Which allows the maximum space
on a confined site.
620
00:32:09,929 --> 00:32:12,562
Narrator: Norman foster's
ultra-modern hsbc
621
00:32:12,564 --> 00:32:14,698
Building dominated the shores
622
00:32:14,700 --> 00:32:18,402
Of hong kong's harbor
in the mid-1980s.
623
00:32:18,404 --> 00:32:21,571
The building was seen as a major
architectural triumph
624
00:32:21,573 --> 00:32:25,375
By incorporating the ancient
chinese practice of feng shui
625
00:32:25,377 --> 00:32:29,980
Without compromising
on cutting-edge design.
626
00:32:29,982 --> 00:32:34,451
Hsbc questioned,
at the most fundamental level,
627
00:32:34,453 --> 00:32:37,921
All the high-rise buildings
that had gone before.
628
00:32:37,923 --> 00:32:42,693
The high-rise building before
hsbc had been a central core
629
00:32:42,695 --> 00:32:44,861
With a ribbon of space
around that.
630
00:32:44,863 --> 00:32:48,332
The central core --
escape stairs, elevators,
631
00:32:48,334 --> 00:32:50,834
Washrooms, mechanical plant.
632
00:32:50,836 --> 00:32:54,438
So by taking that
and fragmenting it,
633
00:32:54,440 --> 00:32:57,107
Breaking it down
into smaller pieces,
634
00:32:57,109 --> 00:32:58,775
And then creating lofts
635
00:32:58,777 --> 00:33:01,511
And putting those
smaller pieces at the end
636
00:33:01,513 --> 00:33:04,548
So you can see through
the space, unbroken space.
637
00:33:04,550 --> 00:33:06,883
You can see the mountains
at the back,
638
00:33:06,885 --> 00:33:11,755
Water at the front,
statue square.
639
00:33:11,757 --> 00:33:15,192
Narrator:
Inspired by the relationship
between mountain and water,
640
00:33:15,194 --> 00:33:18,328
The 12-story glass-and-mirror
atrium symbolized
641
00:33:18,330 --> 00:33:20,864
The bank's ability
to hang onto money.
642
00:33:22,935 --> 00:33:24,668
The position of the escalators
643
00:33:24,670 --> 00:33:28,038
Helped to channel energy
into the skyscraper.
644
00:33:28,040 --> 00:33:29,806
And the building's open plan
645
00:33:29,808 --> 00:33:33,810
Encouraged communication
between its occupants.
646
00:33:33,812 --> 00:33:36,079
Lavery: The key challenges here
are connectivity
647
00:33:36,081 --> 00:33:37,681
With where it meets, you know.
648
00:33:37,683 --> 00:33:41,118
If you've got an office that is
split over three or four floors
649
00:33:41,120 --> 00:33:42,953
And the only way to commute
between those floors
650
00:33:42,955 --> 00:33:45,555
Is the lift,
you lose a lot of opportunity
651
00:33:45,557 --> 00:33:48,158
For interchange of ideas
652
00:33:48,160 --> 00:33:49,860
And for, you know,
cross-pollination.
653
00:33:49,862 --> 00:33:53,130
Creativity is all about
communication.
654
00:33:53,132 --> 00:33:57,100
So if I can see you and I
don't have a big wall
655
00:33:57,102 --> 00:33:58,802
In between you and me,
656
00:33:58,804 --> 00:34:03,040
Then we're going to have
a more enjoyable exchange.
657
00:34:03,042 --> 00:34:05,075
Narrator: The absence of the
building's fourth floor
658
00:34:05,077 --> 00:34:09,713
Was intended to create space
and a sense of community.
659
00:34:09,715 --> 00:34:12,783
The architectural decision
was intentionally made
660
00:34:12,785 --> 00:34:16,353
To align with local tradition.
661
00:34:16,355 --> 00:34:19,089
Hong kong -- it's really tight.
662
00:34:19,091 --> 00:34:23,760
You have statue square,
everybody's bursting for space.
663
00:34:23,762 --> 00:34:24,795
It's so intense --
664
00:34:24,797 --> 00:34:27,431
The incredible energy,
the density.
665
00:34:27,433 --> 00:34:30,700
So the opportunity to lift
that tall tower
666
00:34:30,702 --> 00:34:32,069
Above the ground plane,
667
00:34:32,071 --> 00:34:35,672
Extend statue square through
underneath the buildings,
668
00:34:35,674 --> 00:34:39,576
So it becomes
a major civic space.
669
00:34:39,578 --> 00:34:44,748
♪
670
00:34:44,750 --> 00:34:48,085
Narrator: The design process
is a complicated one --
671
00:34:48,087 --> 00:34:50,821
The site, the budget,
the function,
672
00:34:50,823 --> 00:34:53,457
And the overall aesthetic
are all key factors
673
00:34:53,459 --> 00:34:56,526
That need to be taken
into consideration.
674
00:34:56,528 --> 00:34:59,029
[ telephone rings ]
675
00:34:59,031 --> 00:35:02,332
Malott: Design should be
an answer to a problem,
676
00:35:02,334 --> 00:35:06,336
And so we hold ourselves
to the task.
677
00:35:06,338 --> 00:35:08,672
You can't design a building
in three moves.
678
00:35:08,674 --> 00:35:10,006
It's too complicated.
679
00:35:10,008 --> 00:35:13,310
Foster:
As architects, you advocate.
680
00:35:13,312 --> 00:35:16,046
You don't have a power to say,
"should be like this...",
681
00:35:16,048 --> 00:35:17,614
But "what if this..."
682
00:35:17,616 --> 00:35:19,182
And "these are
the reasons why..."
683
00:35:19,184 --> 00:35:20,884
And "there's a good argument..."
684
00:35:20,886 --> 00:35:25,856
And that becomes something which
is kind of bonded and shared
685
00:35:25,858 --> 00:35:27,691
And finally realized.
686
00:35:27,693 --> 00:35:30,961
Sinn:
Architects -- they're always
looking for something new to do,
687
00:35:30,963 --> 00:35:33,130
But they also want
to know their options.
688
00:35:33,132 --> 00:35:34,498
You know, a lot of architects
689
00:35:34,500 --> 00:35:37,200
Actually appreciate
a few constraints.
690
00:35:37,202 --> 00:35:40,103
The way we work with architects
is we try to guide them
691
00:35:40,105 --> 00:35:43,306
Into solutions that will meet
the goals that they have,
692
00:35:43,308 --> 00:35:47,577
And, of course, the developer --
you know, he has goals, too.
693
00:35:47,579 --> 00:35:53,049
It requires me as the designer
in a way to check the ego
694
00:35:53,051 --> 00:35:55,919
Or the preconceptions and allow
695
00:35:55,921 --> 00:36:00,157
For everyone to have a voice
in the design
696
00:36:00,159 --> 00:36:03,093
Because, as we know,
renovation is occurring
697
00:36:03,095 --> 00:36:05,862
At the intersection
between disciplines.
698
00:36:05,864 --> 00:36:08,598
Lavery:
So it's about them bringing in
the practicalities to say,
699
00:36:08,600 --> 00:36:10,800
"okay, how can we meet that?
700
00:36:10,802 --> 00:36:13,069
Make it practical?
Make it build-able?
701
00:36:13,071 --> 00:36:15,605
Make it affordable
for the client
702
00:36:15,607 --> 00:36:17,941
To build
at the end of the day?"
703
00:36:17,943 --> 00:36:19,676
Brooker: It's not an equation.
704
00:36:19,678 --> 00:36:21,178
Put the numbers
in the right sequence,
705
00:36:21,180 --> 00:36:23,513
You're gonna get an answer,
a fixed answer at the end.
706
00:36:23,515 --> 00:36:24,714
It's not that.
707
00:36:24,716 --> 00:36:27,651
It has to be a design
that means something.
708
00:36:27,653 --> 00:36:29,819
Narrator: As the '80s turned
into the '90s,
709
00:36:29,821 --> 00:36:32,022
An entirely new age
for architecture
710
00:36:32,024 --> 00:36:34,224
Began to establish roots.
711
00:36:34,226 --> 00:36:37,761
Unlike traditional practices,
where functionality and design
712
00:36:37,763 --> 00:36:40,931
Controlled
how a building was created,
713
00:36:40,933 --> 00:36:44,634
Now the priority to adopt
sustainable initiatives
714
00:36:44,636 --> 00:36:48,338
Became a crucial component
in building construction.
715
00:36:48,340 --> 00:36:52,175
♪
716
00:36:59,117 --> 00:37:03,353
♪
717
00:37:03,355 --> 00:37:06,690
Narrator: The 1990s ushered in
a new wave of change.
718
00:37:06,692 --> 00:37:09,960
Advancements in technology
drastically influenced the way
719
00:37:09,962 --> 00:37:13,463
In which people lived
and communicated.
720
00:37:13,465 --> 00:37:16,967
In terms of architecture,
one very vital truth
721
00:37:16,969 --> 00:37:19,169
Became alarmingly clear.
722
00:37:19,171 --> 00:37:21,905
In order to preserve
a building's life cycle,
723
00:37:21,907 --> 00:37:25,275
The future was sustainability.
724
00:37:25,277 --> 00:37:27,744
Germany established itself
as a pioneer
725
00:37:27,746 --> 00:37:31,881
In environmental sustainability.
726
00:37:31,883 --> 00:37:33,883
Greening the economy was seen
727
00:37:33,885 --> 00:37:37,687
As both a social
and political imperative,
728
00:37:37,689 --> 00:37:39,756
Given the nation's
high population
729
00:37:39,758 --> 00:37:44,394
And scarcity
of natural resources.
730
00:37:44,396 --> 00:37:46,830
Taxing energy sourced
from fossil fuels
731
00:37:46,832 --> 00:37:51,901
Encouraged the development
of alternative technologies.
732
00:37:51,903 --> 00:37:55,071
Green roofs and facades
and permeable pavements
733
00:37:55,073 --> 00:37:58,942
Were just two innovations
german planners embraced
734
00:37:58,944 --> 00:38:02,879
As they strived to create
an energy-neutral future.
735
00:38:04,950 --> 00:38:07,284
I think some of the best tall
buildings in europe
736
00:38:07,286 --> 00:38:09,819
Are in germany,
you know, with double-skinned
737
00:38:09,821 --> 00:38:12,589
Walls with natural ventilation
strategies.
738
00:38:12,591 --> 00:38:16,660
You know, one of the best towers
that has ever been built
739
00:38:16,662 --> 00:38:21,131
Was norman foster's
1997 commerzbank.
740
00:38:21,133 --> 00:38:24,234
Narrator:
For many years, the commerzbank
building in frankfurt
741
00:38:24,236 --> 00:38:26,803
Was the tallest skyscraper
in europe.
742
00:38:29,174 --> 00:38:32,976
Commerzbank, at its time,
743
00:38:32,978 --> 00:38:37,547
Became the first ecological
tall building,
744
00:38:37,549 --> 00:38:42,185
The first building to begin
working with nature,
745
00:38:42,187 --> 00:38:45,522
To be breathing.
746
00:38:45,524 --> 00:38:47,223
Narrator: The building was
positioned in a way
747
00:38:47,225 --> 00:38:49,859
That took advantage
of the sun and wind,
748
00:38:49,861 --> 00:38:51,461
Providing natural ventilation
749
00:38:51,463 --> 00:38:55,131
And light to every office
in the 53-story tower.
750
00:38:57,903 --> 00:39:00,270
To more effectively utilize
the climate,
751
00:39:00,272 --> 00:39:03,106
Lead architect norman foster
and his team
752
00:39:03,108 --> 00:39:06,943
Developed the klimafassade,
a custom-made,
753
00:39:06,945 --> 00:39:09,946
Double-skinned envelope system
that housed special,
754
00:39:09,948 --> 00:39:13,049
Motorized venetian blinds.
755
00:39:13,051 --> 00:39:17,587
Foster:
At that time, as we saw it
for some 65% of the time,
756
00:39:17,589 --> 00:39:19,055
The climate would be such that
757
00:39:19,057 --> 00:39:21,191
You wouldn't need
to heat or cool.
758
00:39:21,193 --> 00:39:27,063
And you could have the freshness
of contact with the air outside.
759
00:39:27,065 --> 00:39:29,499
There were two kinds
of working space.
760
00:39:29,501 --> 00:39:31,935
There were those on the
outside of the building,
761
00:39:31,937 --> 00:39:33,737
Looking out to the skyline,
762
00:39:33,739 --> 00:39:36,373
And those that looked
into the gardens.
763
00:39:36,375 --> 00:39:39,642
And then, in no time at all,
the most popular spaces
764
00:39:39,644 --> 00:39:42,011
Became those that
looked onto the garden,
765
00:39:42,013 --> 00:39:47,050
And I think here there's
a social dimension coming in.
766
00:39:49,821 --> 00:39:52,589
Wood: It took another ten,
15 years for another building
767
00:39:52,591 --> 00:39:55,125
To surpass what it did
in terms of its commitment
768
00:39:55,127 --> 00:39:57,360
To communal space
within the building.
769
00:39:57,362 --> 00:39:59,529
No matter where you work
in that building,
770
00:39:59,531 --> 00:40:02,065
You have a direct connection
to its sky garden,
771
00:40:02,067 --> 00:40:04,234
And there are a series
of sky gardens
772
00:40:04,236 --> 00:40:06,803
That step up
around the building.
773
00:40:09,141 --> 00:40:11,775
Foster: It comes out of
the street pattern
774
00:40:11,777 --> 00:40:13,810
With relatively low buildings.
775
00:40:13,812 --> 00:40:18,281
Those are replicated,
and then you enter, you ascend,
776
00:40:18,283 --> 00:40:21,117
And it's a shared space --
a restaurant, public.
777
00:40:21,119 --> 00:40:24,687
It's shared by the community
of which they're a part
778
00:40:24,689 --> 00:40:28,491
With an awareness that there's
the private world in the tower,
779
00:40:28,493 --> 00:40:30,527
But that's in
a very public domain,
780
00:40:30,529 --> 00:40:37,367
So somehow that fusion
of the two is critical.
781
00:40:37,369 --> 00:40:40,103
Narrator:
Without compromising the
tall building aesthetic,
782
00:40:40,105 --> 00:40:45,375
Norman foster completely
reinvented the skyscraper.
783
00:40:45,377 --> 00:40:48,178
With every detail intentionally
designed to connect
784
00:40:48,180 --> 00:40:53,917
And engage the community
and to save or produce energy,
785
00:40:53,919 --> 00:40:56,453
The commerzbank tower
set the tone
786
00:40:56,455 --> 00:41:01,691
For building to the sky
in the 21st century.
787
00:41:01,693 --> 00:41:03,560
Armstrong: My colleague
and I have contended
788
00:41:03,562 --> 00:41:07,497
That we are possibly
into a fifth skyscraper age,
789
00:41:07,499 --> 00:41:11,901
Which is specifically
more performance-driven.
790
00:41:11,903 --> 00:41:15,038
And we see this particularly
with sustainability
791
00:41:15,040 --> 00:41:18,775
And the need
for more environmentally
792
00:41:18,777 --> 00:41:23,813
And ecologically
sensitive buildings.
793
00:41:23,815 --> 00:41:25,748
Duncan: More than half
of a building's energy
794
00:41:25,750 --> 00:41:29,052
Goes into its construction,
depending on where it's located.
795
00:41:29,054 --> 00:41:31,421
That's because there's just
a lot of, let's say,
796
00:41:31,423 --> 00:41:36,426
Heat that's required
to melt aluminum, for example,
797
00:41:36,428 --> 00:41:40,663
Or how far those materials have
to travel to get to the job site
798
00:41:40,665 --> 00:41:43,333
Because the trucks or the trains
that are carrying
799
00:41:43,335 --> 00:41:46,669
Those materials
also consume energy.
800
00:41:46,671 --> 00:41:50,440
Sustainability
is a global requirement.
801
00:41:50,442 --> 00:41:51,808
It's not a trend.
802
00:41:51,810 --> 00:41:53,910
It's a necessity.
803
00:41:53,912 --> 00:41:56,246
For our continued survival
on this planet,
804
00:41:56,248 --> 00:41:58,948
It's not enough for a building
to do the best it can
805
00:41:58,950 --> 00:42:00,416
By the building.
806
00:42:00,418 --> 00:42:03,453
Duncan: The revolution
that's happened has to do
807
00:42:03,455 --> 00:42:06,656
With the sustainable imperative,
808
00:42:06,658 --> 00:42:12,428
The buildings have to do better
in energy performance.
809
00:42:12,430 --> 00:42:18,801
Brooker: We're constantly
looking for that magic material
810
00:42:18,803 --> 00:42:20,637
But performs
as if it's almost --
811
00:42:20,639 --> 00:42:21,804
As if it's not there.
812
00:42:21,806 --> 00:42:27,911
♪