1 00:00:01,969 --> 00:00:04,169 Narrator: Like giant exclamation marks, 2 00:00:04,171 --> 00:00:08,173 Skyscrapers punctuate the story of our urban development. 3 00:00:08,175 --> 00:00:09,908 People always want to reach. 4 00:00:09,910 --> 00:00:11,677 There's something heavenly about it. 5 00:00:11,679 --> 00:00:14,847 And people have wanted to race for height forever. 6 00:00:14,849 --> 00:00:17,716 Narrator: Developed by the pioneers of architecture 7 00:00:17,718 --> 00:00:19,651 In the late 19th century... 8 00:00:19,653 --> 00:00:21,587 They were, at the time, 9 00:00:21,589 --> 00:00:23,589 The equivalent of our going to the moon. 10 00:00:23,591 --> 00:00:26,692 Narrator: ...These magnificently designed tower giants 11 00:00:26,694 --> 00:00:30,462 Urbanized some of the greatest cities in the world. 12 00:00:30,464 --> 00:00:36,068 It's about defying gravity and leaving a sign of humanity. 13 00:00:36,070 --> 00:00:37,803 Narrator: From chicago to london, 14 00:00:37,805 --> 00:00:39,872 From tokyo to dubai, 15 00:00:39,874 --> 00:00:43,175 Skyscrapers have and continue to define 16 00:00:43,177 --> 00:00:46,645 Our contemporary way of life. 17 00:00:46,647 --> 00:00:49,648 -- Captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com 18 00:00:49,650 --> 00:00:52,684 Captions paid for by discovery communications 19 00:00:54,688 --> 00:01:00,626 The 1970s was an era of pivotal change in the united states. 20 00:01:00,628 --> 00:01:03,328 After a decade of optimism and prosperity, 21 00:01:03,330 --> 00:01:07,766 The country was now suffering through an economic crisis. 22 00:01:09,770 --> 00:01:12,771 The economy was in recession, and cities like new york 23 00:01:12,773 --> 00:01:15,207 Saw a decline in manufacturing, 24 00:01:15,209 --> 00:01:18,577 And with it, fewer industrial jobs. 25 00:01:18,579 --> 00:01:22,748 By 1974, 500,000 people were out of work, 26 00:01:22,750 --> 00:01:25,284 And the city was on the verge of bankruptcy. 27 00:01:27,188 --> 00:01:29,988 Demographics were also shifting. 28 00:01:29,990 --> 00:01:32,357 With crime rates at an all-time high, 29 00:01:32,359 --> 00:01:36,829 Middle-class families began to abandon the city. 30 00:01:36,831 --> 00:01:40,365 But out of the ashes rose the world trade center. 31 00:01:40,367 --> 00:01:43,102 Spearheaded by david rockefeller, 32 00:01:43,104 --> 00:01:44,903 The urban renewal project 33 00:01:44,905 --> 00:01:48,273 Was intended to help revitalize lower manhattan. 34 00:01:50,578 --> 00:01:54,780 The world trade center site and the twin towers, ironically, 35 00:01:54,782 --> 00:01:57,416 Was really the first time where a government agency 36 00:01:57,418 --> 00:02:02,955 Participated in a large-scale skyscraper development project, 37 00:02:02,957 --> 00:02:04,723 And the idea was to kind of 38 00:02:04,725 --> 00:02:06,992 Give it sort of a shot in the arm, if you will. 39 00:02:06,994 --> 00:02:09,061 'cause they had this large site 40 00:02:09,063 --> 00:02:10,796 And because they were interested 41 00:02:10,798 --> 00:02:13,198 In sort of projecting new york city 42 00:02:13,200 --> 00:02:14,900 On the world stage, 43 00:02:14,902 --> 00:02:17,603 The port authority decided to build the twin towers, 44 00:02:17,605 --> 00:02:19,972 The world's largest buildings at the time. 45 00:02:19,974 --> 00:02:25,010 ♪ 46 00:02:25,012 --> 00:02:29,648 Narrator: At 1,368 feet and 1,362 feet, respectively, 47 00:02:29,650 --> 00:02:31,049 The world trade center 48 00:02:31,051 --> 00:02:34,620 Assumed the title as the tallest buildings in the world. 49 00:02:34,622 --> 00:02:38,724 ♪ 50 00:02:38,726 --> 00:02:40,993 The world trade center site is very large, 51 00:02:40,995 --> 00:02:45,164 And many small mom-and-pop-type shops 52 00:02:45,166 --> 00:02:47,599 Were displaced, and so that whole neighborhood, 53 00:02:47,601 --> 00:02:51,003 Which was a bit gritty but still vibrant, was destroyed, 54 00:02:51,005 --> 00:02:52,504 So that caused a lot of controversy, 55 00:02:52,506 --> 00:02:53,972 And I think many new yorkers, 56 00:02:53,974 --> 00:02:56,575 As is typical for new, iconic projects, 57 00:02:56,577 --> 00:02:58,944 They thought those two buildings were pretty ugly. 58 00:02:58,946 --> 00:03:00,078 [ chuckles ] 59 00:03:02,883 --> 00:03:05,184 Ascher: We didn't think it looked like a building. 60 00:03:05,186 --> 00:03:06,552 It didn't have a crown. 61 00:03:06,554 --> 00:03:08,253 It didn't have a typical, you know, 62 00:03:08,255 --> 00:03:10,189 Sort of physique of a skyscraper. 63 00:03:10,191 --> 00:03:12,424 And the fact that there were two of them 64 00:03:12,426 --> 00:03:15,661 Made it marginally better, but not great. 65 00:03:15,663 --> 00:03:18,397 Narrator: Even though the world trade center received criticism 66 00:03:18,399 --> 00:03:21,433 For its generic design and brutal scale, 67 00:03:21,435 --> 00:03:22,901 The towers contained 68 00:03:22,903 --> 00:03:27,172 Many innovative structural engineering features. 69 00:03:27,174 --> 00:03:29,841 Oldfield: It was one of the world's first tall buildings 70 00:03:29,843 --> 00:03:32,811 To use what's called a framed tube system. 71 00:03:32,813 --> 00:03:34,213 So, a lot of the structure's 72 00:03:34,215 --> 00:03:36,181 Placed on the outside of the building, 73 00:03:36,183 --> 00:03:39,651 Where these columns with very close proximity to each other, 74 00:03:39,653 --> 00:03:41,053 Just a couple of meters apart, 75 00:03:41,055 --> 00:03:43,255 All pushed to the edge of the building. 76 00:03:43,257 --> 00:03:47,993 Now, what that did is it made the floor plate open plan, 77 00:03:47,995 --> 00:03:52,097 Allowing for the businesses at the time to thrive. 78 00:03:52,099 --> 00:03:54,066 Marfella: Now, the other innovation of the world trade center 79 00:03:54,068 --> 00:03:56,201 Was the pressure-equalized façade. 80 00:03:56,203 --> 00:04:00,472 What it is is a façade that is able to control the weather 81 00:04:00,474 --> 00:04:03,475 And keep the weather outside of the building 82 00:04:03,477 --> 00:04:05,978 By equalizing the wind pressure 83 00:04:05,980 --> 00:04:08,680 Inside the depth of the façade system. 84 00:04:08,682 --> 00:04:11,717 It's a very clever approach 85 00:04:11,719 --> 00:04:14,686 That controls, basically, waterproofing 86 00:04:14,688 --> 00:04:16,655 By opening gaps in the façade, 87 00:04:16,657 --> 00:04:19,191 And so it was a test bed -- 88 00:04:19,193 --> 00:04:22,628 For the first time, these two very important aspects 89 00:04:22,630 --> 00:04:25,530 Of rain engineering and pressure equalization of façades 90 00:04:25,532 --> 00:04:27,733 Happened in one building. 91 00:04:29,570 --> 00:04:31,103 Oldfield: So, the building was one of the first 92 00:04:31,105 --> 00:04:34,206 To use what's called a sky lobby elevator system, 93 00:04:34,208 --> 00:04:38,210 And in that, occupants would travel along shuttle elevators 94 00:04:38,212 --> 00:04:39,678 To an open floor, 95 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:42,147 And from there move to local elevators, 96 00:04:42,149 --> 00:04:44,516 Which serve individual floors, 97 00:04:44,518 --> 00:04:48,353 And that made the whole vertical transportation process 98 00:04:48,355 --> 00:04:50,289 Much more efficient, 99 00:04:50,291 --> 00:04:53,091 And it meant the core was much smaller. 100 00:04:55,963 --> 00:04:58,297 Barr: New yorkers always embrace these vast projects 101 00:04:58,299 --> 00:05:00,265 With a sort of mix of 102 00:05:00,267 --> 00:05:03,935 Disapproval and approval at the same time. 103 00:05:03,937 --> 00:05:07,072 Willis: They were a little bit like aliens 104 00:05:07,074 --> 00:05:09,541 In the fabric of downtown, 105 00:05:09,543 --> 00:05:12,644 And they seemed to tip the island a little bit 106 00:05:12,646 --> 00:05:14,579 Over to the west side. 107 00:05:14,581 --> 00:05:20,686 They didn't participate in the shaping of the skyline. 108 00:05:20,688 --> 00:05:23,822 Narrator: And as the need to build taller and stronger was increasing, 109 00:05:23,824 --> 00:05:26,325 The relationship between architect and engineer 110 00:05:26,327 --> 00:05:29,194 Was changing. 111 00:05:29,196 --> 00:05:31,296 From conception to completion, 112 00:05:31,298 --> 00:05:34,199 It takes a village to build a skyscraper. 113 00:05:36,870 --> 00:05:38,904 There is a huge number of people involved 114 00:05:38,906 --> 00:05:42,174 In designing a skyscraper, a sort of very complex machine. 115 00:05:42,176 --> 00:05:44,543 You might have a lead consultant that can offer all the services, 116 00:05:44,545 --> 00:05:46,244 Or you'll get maybe an architect 117 00:05:46,246 --> 00:05:47,713 That will bring an engineering team. 118 00:05:47,715 --> 00:05:51,450 So, you may get, you know, 20, 30 different stakeholders 119 00:05:51,452 --> 00:05:52,884 Within the design team. 120 00:05:52,886 --> 00:05:55,320 Now, an architect doesn't need to know as much about structures 121 00:05:55,322 --> 00:05:56,822 As a structural engineer does, 122 00:05:56,824 --> 00:05:59,257 But he or she needs to have some sort of understanding 123 00:05:59,259 --> 00:06:02,794 So that they can design better and also communicate 124 00:06:02,796 --> 00:06:06,298 With the structural engineer better, and vice-versa. 125 00:06:06,300 --> 00:06:09,334 The job as a skyscraper architect 126 00:06:09,336 --> 00:06:11,436 Is to listen to everyone, 127 00:06:11,438 --> 00:06:14,706 To synthesize what they are telling you, 128 00:06:14,708 --> 00:06:17,943 And to channel that into the design. 129 00:06:17,945 --> 00:06:24,850 ♪ 130 00:06:24,852 --> 00:06:27,786 Narrator: Thanks to architectural trailblazers of the time -- 131 00:06:27,788 --> 00:06:31,022 Skidmore, owings, & merrill -- this collaborative approach 132 00:06:31,024 --> 00:06:34,960 Became the standard in chicago during the 1970s. 133 00:06:38,665 --> 00:06:40,399 We do architecture with a capital "a" 134 00:06:40,401 --> 00:06:41,733 And engineering with a capital "e." 135 00:06:41,735 --> 00:06:43,135 It's pretty rare. 136 00:06:43,137 --> 00:06:44,903 And the three people -- skidmore, owings, and merrill -- 137 00:06:44,905 --> 00:06:47,139 Are long since passed away, 138 00:06:47,141 --> 00:06:48,707 So you have a bunch of people -- 139 00:06:48,709 --> 00:06:51,376 Architects who like working with engineers, 140 00:06:51,378 --> 00:06:53,779 Engineers who like working with architects, 141 00:06:53,781 --> 00:06:57,582 And who are not so driven as to get their name on the door, 142 00:06:57,584 --> 00:06:59,217 But are driven. 143 00:07:01,288 --> 00:07:03,155 Narrator: Bruce graham and fazlur khan 144 00:07:03,157 --> 00:07:08,827 Were s.O.M.'s dream team in the late 1960s, early '70s. 145 00:07:08,829 --> 00:07:14,032 Their greatest collaboration was the 110-story sears tower. 146 00:07:16,036 --> 00:07:18,603 Oldfield: In the 1970s, you had the kind of competition 147 00:07:18,605 --> 00:07:21,306 Between the sears tower, the hancock tower, 148 00:07:21,308 --> 00:07:22,607 The world trade center, 149 00:07:22,609 --> 00:07:26,211 The second boom of the american skyscraper 150 00:07:26,213 --> 00:07:29,948 With these latest generation of towers 151 00:07:29,950 --> 00:07:32,150 Competing to be the tallest in the world. 152 00:07:34,855 --> 00:07:38,223 Chicago has always been a pragmatic city, fundamentally, 153 00:07:38,225 --> 00:07:40,392 And I think architects in chicago 154 00:07:40,394 --> 00:07:44,996 Have maintained a very kind of pragmatic approach. 155 00:07:44,998 --> 00:07:48,266 Narrator: While designing the sears tower, graham and khan determined 156 00:07:48,268 --> 00:07:51,236 That the framing structure traditionally used to construct 157 00:07:51,238 --> 00:07:54,372 Tall buildings was inefficient, 158 00:07:54,374 --> 00:07:56,541 So they opted to devise their own. 159 00:07:59,046 --> 00:08:01,480 The bundled tube system increased buildings' 160 00:08:01,482 --> 00:08:05,283 Overall stability, eliminated internal wind braces, 161 00:08:05,285 --> 00:08:09,521 And maximized usable interior space. 162 00:08:09,523 --> 00:08:11,923 It consisted of numerous narrow cylinders 163 00:08:11,925 --> 00:08:14,159 Bundled together to form a thicker, 164 00:08:14,161 --> 00:08:16,528 More substantial structure. 165 00:08:20,501 --> 00:08:22,868 Armstrong: The sears tower pushed engineering 166 00:08:22,870 --> 00:08:27,439 And aesthetic expression to tall building in certain directions, 167 00:08:27,441 --> 00:08:29,975 And certainly was structural expressionism -- 168 00:08:29,977 --> 00:08:32,511 The idea of expressing the structure 169 00:08:32,513 --> 00:08:34,212 On the exterior of the building. 170 00:08:34,214 --> 00:08:37,115 I have four pieces here and four pieces here. 171 00:08:37,117 --> 00:08:39,651 Same size and same length. 172 00:08:39,653 --> 00:08:43,221 So, if I hang this from this, 173 00:08:43,223 --> 00:08:47,058 You see that it bends quite a bit, right? 174 00:08:47,060 --> 00:08:51,296 In this case, I have the same four pieces of wood, 175 00:08:51,298 --> 00:08:52,831 But they are glued at the end, 176 00:08:52,833 --> 00:08:56,468 So they act together like a bundled tube. 177 00:08:56,470 --> 00:09:00,572 Now you see that it bends a lot less than it did before. 178 00:09:00,574 --> 00:09:03,942 What we're getting here is one structural member 179 00:09:03,944 --> 00:09:07,913 Which is considerably stronger and stiffer. 180 00:09:07,915 --> 00:09:11,650 As you go up, you cut off some of these tubes 181 00:09:11,652 --> 00:09:14,185 Because it's not needed anymore. 182 00:09:14,187 --> 00:09:18,590 As the building goes up, it becomes smaller in footprint. 183 00:09:18,592 --> 00:09:21,993 But everywhere that these tubes touch one another, 184 00:09:21,995 --> 00:09:23,662 They're interacting with one another, 185 00:09:23,664 --> 00:09:25,564 They're locked to each other, 186 00:09:25,566 --> 00:09:27,999 And therefore, there is no slippage. 187 00:09:28,001 --> 00:09:30,035 Wood: 50 years ago, the tall building 188 00:09:30,037 --> 00:09:33,905 Was largely a technical challenge. 189 00:09:33,907 --> 00:09:35,440 How high can man go? 190 00:09:35,442 --> 00:09:39,477 How high can man put materials above the plane of the earth? 191 00:09:39,479 --> 00:09:41,446 What are the structural solutions? 192 00:09:41,448 --> 00:09:43,315 What are the air conditioning solutions 193 00:09:43,317 --> 00:09:44,549 And lighting solutions? 194 00:09:44,551 --> 00:09:46,518 How can he do that safely? 195 00:09:46,520 --> 00:09:48,787 So, we were doing the architectural equivalent 196 00:09:48,789 --> 00:09:50,021 Of walking on the moon 197 00:09:50,023 --> 00:09:54,492 With those buildings in the late '60s. 198 00:09:54,494 --> 00:09:58,029 Narrator: As skyscrapers reached new heights in the united states, 199 00:09:58,031 --> 00:10:01,600 Another country was asserting themselves into the race. 200 00:10:01,602 --> 00:10:03,501 Looking to share his groundbreaking 201 00:10:03,503 --> 00:10:06,438 Structural engineering concept down under, 202 00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:09,174 Fazlur khan headed to australia, 203 00:10:09,176 --> 00:10:11,977 Hoping to make high-rise history. 204 00:10:11,979 --> 00:10:17,849 ♪ 205 00:10:24,291 --> 00:10:30,228 ♪ 206 00:10:30,230 --> 00:10:32,697 Narrator: As the second-largest city in australia, 207 00:10:32,699 --> 00:10:36,067 Melbourne has repeatedly taken a back seat to sydney 208 00:10:36,069 --> 00:10:39,571 In terms of population and location. 209 00:10:39,573 --> 00:10:43,108 But by the 1970s, this cultural capital 210 00:10:43,110 --> 00:10:47,178 Experienced a sudden skyscraper boom. 211 00:10:47,180 --> 00:10:49,247 Designed by yuncken freeman architects, 212 00:10:49,249 --> 00:10:52,984 Along with the assistance of structural engineer fazlur khan, 213 00:10:52,986 --> 00:10:56,621 The elegant 41-story bhp house on william street 214 00:10:56,623 --> 00:11:01,192 Became melbourne's first skyscraper to surpass 500 feet. 215 00:11:03,397 --> 00:11:05,864 Marfella: That building was an icon 216 00:11:05,866 --> 00:11:08,733 For the corporation of bhp in australia, 217 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 220 00:11:13,740 --> 00:11:17,742 To stabilize buildings against the wind. 221 00:11:17,744 --> 00:11:21,880 So, the outrigger system consists of huge super-columns 222 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 -- 224 00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:29,587 That links these two together. 225 00:11:29,589 --> 00:11:31,022 Baker: Where you have the central spine 226 00:11:31,024 --> 00:11:34,526 And then you reach out at certain levels 227 00:11:34,528 --> 00:11:38,329 To grab the perimeter to resist the overturning force. 228 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:43,334 Ali: The whole outrigger system became very popular 229 00:11:43,336 --> 00:11:45,437 Because once you have that, 230 00:11:45,439 --> 00:11:48,440 You can have the façade really open. 231 00:11:48,442 --> 00:11:51,076 You can put a lot of glass there. 232 00:11:51,078 --> 00:11:52,811 The architects an articulate the façade 233 00:11:52,813 --> 00:11:57,615 In whatever way they want, and the concept is very simple. 234 00:11:57,617 --> 00:12:00,919 Narrator: Due to an array of innovative structural design components, 235 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 238 00:12:15,569 --> 00:12:19,671 Redefined the building's structural design. 239 00:12:19,673 --> 00:12:22,607 Unlike traditional layouts, the open floor plan 240 00:12:22,609 --> 00:12:25,510 Allowed for more use of the internal space, 241 00:12:25,512 --> 00:12:28,146 And the sheer-glazed exterior curtain walls 242 00:12:28,148 --> 00:12:30,982 Increased the building's overall efficiency. 243 00:12:33,253 --> 00:12:35,854 It was clear that australia was breaking away 244 00:12:35,856 --> 00:12:37,756 From traditional architecture 245 00:12:37,758 --> 00:12:40,592 And influencing the future of engineering. 246 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 ♪