1 00:00:02,136 --> 00:00:04,403 Narrator: Like giant exclamation marks, 2 00:00:04,405 --> 00:00:08,440 Skyscrapers punctuate the story of our urban development. 3 00:00:08,442 --> 00:00:10,075 People always want to reach. 4 00:00:10,077 --> 00:00:11,977 There's something heavenly about it. 5 00:00:11,979 --> 00:00:15,314 And people have wanted to race for height forever. 6 00:00:15,316 --> 00:00:17,783 Narrator: Developed by the pioneers of architecture 7 00:00:17,785 --> 00:00:19,852 In the late 19th century... 8 00:00:19,854 --> 00:00:21,687 They were, at the time, 9 00:00:21,689 --> 00:00:24,023 The equivalent of our going to the moon. 10 00:00:24,025 --> 00:00:26,959 Narrator: ...These magnificently designed tower giants 11 00:00:26,961 --> 00:00:30,996 Urbanized some of the greatest cities in the world. 12 00:00:30,998 --> 00:00:36,235 It's about defying gravity and leaving a sign of humanity. 13 00:00:36,237 --> 00:00:37,936 Narrator: From chicago to london, 14 00:00:37,938 --> 00:00:39,838 From tokyo to dubai, 15 00:00:39,840 --> 00:00:43,475 Skyscrapers have and continue to define 16 00:00:43,477 --> 00:00:45,811 Our contemporary way of life. 17 00:00:45,813 --> 00:00:48,814 -- Captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com 18 00:00:48,816 --> 00:00:51,817 Captions paid for by discovery communications 19 00:00:51,819 --> 00:00:54,653 The skyscraper boom of the 1960s and 70s 20 00:00:54,655 --> 00:00:56,655 Created a global backlash. 21 00:00:56,657 --> 00:00:58,824 Everything started looking the same, 22 00:00:58,826 --> 00:01:03,095 And cities no longer had their own iconic look. 23 00:01:03,097 --> 00:01:05,264 Now, more than ever before, 24 00:01:05,266 --> 00:01:09,234 City skylines were in danger of blending into the background, 25 00:01:09,236 --> 00:01:13,238 With little regard to any real sense of place. 26 00:01:13,240 --> 00:01:16,608 Armstrong: You know, we are living in a globalized, international age, 27 00:01:16,610 --> 00:01:21,580 And it tends to reduce many of the differences among us 28 00:01:21,582 --> 00:01:24,216 Culturally and socially. 29 00:01:24,218 --> 00:01:25,784 Wood: For something that was predominantly 30 00:01:25,786 --> 00:01:27,486 An american proposition, 31 00:01:27,488 --> 00:01:31,490 There are now very few countries not building them. 32 00:01:31,492 --> 00:01:33,525 Malott: When I give talks, I do this trick. 33 00:01:33,527 --> 00:01:35,627 I show a skyline of a city. 34 00:01:35,629 --> 00:01:37,896 I ask the audience, "what city is it?" 35 00:01:37,898 --> 00:01:40,099 People might throw out some answers, 36 00:01:40,101 --> 00:01:43,802 But then the catch is that it's three separate cities 37 00:01:43,804 --> 00:01:46,338 Which had been stitched together. 38 00:01:46,340 --> 00:01:48,073 And the point being is that 39 00:01:48,075 --> 00:01:49,608 These are three different continents 40 00:01:49,610 --> 00:01:52,511 With three different climates, three different cultures, 41 00:01:52,513 --> 00:01:55,848 And yet the skyline is ubiquitous. 42 00:01:55,850 --> 00:01:59,318 Naz: That's highly, highly concerning 43 00:01:59,320 --> 00:02:01,453 Because our sense of belongingness 44 00:02:01,455 --> 00:02:05,390 And our sense of being are derived from our environment. 45 00:02:05,392 --> 00:02:07,960 Marfella: They consecrate the sky anymore. 46 00:02:07,962 --> 00:02:10,896 They've become an homogenous landscape. 47 00:02:12,399 --> 00:02:15,067 Wood: I think this is something we need to fight against. 48 00:02:16,871 --> 00:02:19,838 Narrator: A major factor in building sustainability 49 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:22,307 Is making the structure work for the people, 50 00:02:22,309 --> 00:02:24,810 Those inside and out. 51 00:02:24,812 --> 00:02:28,113 In asia, this is of particular importance. 52 00:02:31,285 --> 00:02:33,385 Ascher: Like everything else that seems to have been exported 53 00:02:33,387 --> 00:02:34,686 From one country to another, 54 00:02:34,688 --> 00:02:36,355 And many of them from the west to asia, 55 00:02:36,357 --> 00:02:38,724 The skyscraper is a very big idea 56 00:02:38,726 --> 00:02:42,094 That meant that a place had come of age. 57 00:02:42,096 --> 00:02:44,763 Barr: The buildings themselves can be used 58 00:02:44,765 --> 00:02:47,366 Not as a result of economic growth, 59 00:02:47,368 --> 00:02:49,768 But to drive economic growth. 60 00:02:51,805 --> 00:02:54,540 So, in many respects, many of the new, iconic buildings 61 00:02:54,542 --> 00:02:56,909 In asia are used to say, 62 00:02:56,911 --> 00:02:58,810 "hey, look, you know, we want to be icons. 63 00:02:58,812 --> 00:03:01,246 We want to have global skylines like new york or chicago." 64 00:03:03,584 --> 00:03:06,118 Narrator: And this is exactly what happened to malaysia 65 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:07,653 In the '80s and '90s, 66 00:03:07,655 --> 00:03:11,023 When its burgeoning skyline grew at a record pace. 67 00:03:12,826 --> 00:03:15,060 The country was consistently growing 68 00:03:15,062 --> 00:03:17,763 Their gross domestic product, or gdp, 69 00:03:17,765 --> 00:03:20,199 While keeping inflation low. 70 00:03:20,201 --> 00:03:22,568 It would appear asia was launching 71 00:03:22,570 --> 00:03:27,306 A very productive and successful skyscraper movement. 72 00:03:27,308 --> 00:03:30,008 From its humble beginnings as a tin mining town 73 00:03:30,010 --> 00:03:31,944 To colonial outpost, 74 00:03:31,946 --> 00:03:34,146 The capital city of kuala lumpur 75 00:03:34,148 --> 00:03:39,651 Only acquired its status as a city in 1972. 76 00:03:39,653 --> 00:03:42,120 But it wasn't until the early 1990s 77 00:03:42,122 --> 00:03:47,326 That it became a key player on the global economic stage. 78 00:03:47,328 --> 00:03:50,796 You had the petronas towers in malaysia that went up. 79 00:03:50,798 --> 00:03:53,265 That said something about those economies 80 00:03:53,267 --> 00:03:58,837 That couldn't really have been said any other way. 81 00:03:58,839 --> 00:04:01,240 Narrator: With nearly double the amount of floor space 82 00:04:01,242 --> 00:04:03,075 Of the empire state building 83 00:04:03,077 --> 00:04:07,246 And rising 33 feet taller than chicago's sears tower, 84 00:04:07,248 --> 00:04:11,650 The petronas confirmed to the world that malaysia had arrived. 85 00:04:14,088 --> 00:04:16,622 And we are happy about this project 86 00:04:16,624 --> 00:04:19,958 Because first of all, it has a very unique shape. 87 00:04:19,960 --> 00:04:22,361 It is a twin tower. 88 00:04:22,363 --> 00:04:25,764 Architect can explain to you how the shape was inspired 89 00:04:25,766 --> 00:04:28,166 By kuala lumpur itself. 90 00:04:30,571 --> 00:04:33,238 Narrator: Viewed from above, the shape of each tower 91 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:37,542 Follows a geometric pattern widely used in islamic art, 92 00:04:37,544 --> 00:04:42,080 Symbolizing unity, harmony, stability, and rationality. 93 00:04:44,518 --> 00:04:46,752 Constructed in the shape of an "m", 94 00:04:46,754 --> 00:04:48,887 The tower's exterior slanted edges 95 00:04:48,889 --> 00:04:52,257 Resemble the weave of traditional handmade baskets, 96 00:04:52,259 --> 00:04:55,427 A nod to the nation's cultural heritage. 97 00:04:55,429 --> 00:04:58,130 Structurally, the petronas uses core 98 00:04:58,132 --> 00:05:00,365 And cylindrical tube framing systems 99 00:05:00,367 --> 00:05:03,068 Made from concrete mixed on-site. 100 00:05:03,070 --> 00:05:06,905 The material was three times as strong as any composite material 101 00:05:06,907 --> 00:05:10,942 That was previously used. 102 00:05:10,944 --> 00:05:14,946 We can use a lot of local, available material, 103 00:05:14,948 --> 00:05:18,083 Which is concrete in kuala lumpur, 104 00:05:18,085 --> 00:05:22,654 Which is a reasonable price and the labor is available. 105 00:05:22,656 --> 00:05:25,957 So, we are using a lot of concrete construction 106 00:05:25,959 --> 00:05:28,026 Into that building design. 107 00:05:31,332 --> 00:05:33,265 Narrator: The prefabricated sky-bridge 108 00:05:33,267 --> 00:05:34,766 Connecting the two towers, 109 00:05:34,768 --> 00:05:37,235 According to architect cesar pelli, 110 00:05:37,237 --> 00:05:41,440 Created a portal to the sky, a door to the infinite. 111 00:05:41,442 --> 00:05:43,475 At 190 feet long, 112 00:05:43,477 --> 00:05:48,213 The structure is the highest two-story bridge in the world. 113 00:05:48,215 --> 00:05:50,115 Poon: And it's connected by a bridge. 114 00:05:50,117 --> 00:05:53,185 It has to be independent from the tower and the two towers 115 00:05:53,187 --> 00:05:54,920 So when the two towers move, 116 00:05:54,922 --> 00:05:58,557 The bridge will not be affected by the towers' movement. 117 00:05:58,559 --> 00:06:01,259 Narrator: Spherical bearings located in the hinges 118 00:06:01,261 --> 00:06:04,396 In the middle of the arch system supporting the bridge 119 00:06:04,398 --> 00:06:06,098 Kept the bridge from swaying. 120 00:06:08,869 --> 00:06:10,902 Poon: When we work on the petronas tower, 121 00:06:10,904 --> 00:06:15,807 Tower area in kuala lumpur is not a very booming area. 122 00:06:15,809 --> 00:06:18,210 But since the completion of the tower, 123 00:06:18,212 --> 00:06:22,614 That becomes a signature of the city. 124 00:06:22,616 --> 00:06:26,718 All of a sudden, it sort of became the image of k.L., 125 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:28,019 The image of malaysia, 126 00:06:28,021 --> 00:06:31,056 And that was extremely powerful. 127 00:06:31,058 --> 00:06:33,825 Poon: The petronas tower signified the booming 128 00:06:33,827 --> 00:06:35,894 Of super-high-rise building. 129 00:06:35,896 --> 00:06:38,263 Because they know how successful 130 00:06:38,265 --> 00:06:40,866 These super-high-rise mixed-use complex 131 00:06:40,868 --> 00:06:45,804 Becoming an iconic and a great economic driver for a city. 132 00:06:45,806 --> 00:06:51,443 ♪ 133 00:06:51,445 --> 00:06:54,379 Narrator: In asia, capturing a sense of place 134 00:06:54,381 --> 00:06:56,415 Is crucial to properly reflecting 135 00:06:56,417 --> 00:06:59,017 A region's cultural dna. 136 00:06:59,019 --> 00:07:01,853 And now, that fundamental concept 137 00:07:01,855 --> 00:07:04,656 Was quickly becoming an important consideration 138 00:07:04,658 --> 00:07:07,626 For architects and engineers worldwide. 139 00:07:07,628 --> 00:07:12,197 ♪ 140 00:07:12,199 --> 00:07:16,435 If you look at these cities, these countries, these cultures, 141 00:07:16,437 --> 00:07:19,137 Many of them have hundreds, 142 00:07:19,139 --> 00:07:21,173 Sometimes even thousands of years 143 00:07:21,175 --> 00:07:23,375 Of local tradition in architecture 144 00:07:23,377 --> 00:07:26,845 And grew up because of its relationship 145 00:07:26,847 --> 00:07:28,613 To its local setting. 146 00:07:28,615 --> 00:07:32,217 As a result, the world has a tremendous diversity 147 00:07:32,219 --> 00:07:33,351 Of architecture 148 00:07:33,353 --> 00:07:35,654 Because it was rooted to its place. 149 00:07:37,291 --> 00:07:39,224 You know, if you look at the asian house, 150 00:07:39,226 --> 00:07:44,196 Which is built upon stilts with steep roof and narrow windows, 151 00:07:44,198 --> 00:07:47,833 This was a response to getting airflow under the building, 152 00:07:47,835 --> 00:07:52,270 Steep roof to carry the monsoon rains away. 153 00:07:52,272 --> 00:07:55,540 So, architecture for thousands of years 154 00:07:55,542 --> 00:07:58,810 Evolved differently in different parts of the world 155 00:07:58,812 --> 00:08:00,679 Because the climate was different, 156 00:08:00,681 --> 00:08:03,215 Because the social structures were different, 157 00:08:03,217 --> 00:08:06,485 Because the terrain was different. 158 00:08:06,487 --> 00:08:09,387 Malott: So, if we return to that idea of place, 159 00:08:09,389 --> 00:08:13,692 It's this specificity to the problems of a place, 160 00:08:13,694 --> 00:08:16,228 And that design is a solution to those problems, 161 00:08:16,230 --> 00:08:18,630 Then we can come up with more unique designs. 162 00:08:20,868 --> 00:08:22,767 Narrator: In order for a building to contribute 163 00:08:22,769 --> 00:08:25,036 To the identity of a particular city, 164 00:08:25,038 --> 00:08:27,439 It needs to reflect the local culture 165 00:08:27,441 --> 00:08:30,575 To connect and inspire the people that will serve. 166 00:08:33,514 --> 00:08:37,182 Architects have a number of different ways of responding 167 00:08:37,184 --> 00:08:39,551 To culture and a tall building. 168 00:08:39,553 --> 00:08:43,054 We can use numbers, we can use icons, 169 00:08:43,056 --> 00:08:45,924 Or we can use slightly more abstract ideas 170 00:08:45,926 --> 00:08:47,959 That touch on local traditions, 171 00:08:47,961 --> 00:08:52,764 But are still interpreted in a contemporary way. 172 00:08:52,766 --> 00:08:56,935 Naz: We can -- the color scheme, how the patterns are designed. 173 00:08:56,937 --> 00:08:59,170 There should be some local connection 174 00:08:59,172 --> 00:09:02,607 With a very modern feel to it. 175 00:09:02,609 --> 00:09:05,343 Brooker: For us as designers, integrating buildings 176 00:09:05,345 --> 00:09:07,879 Into their surroundings and place 177 00:09:07,881 --> 00:09:09,614 Is absolutely fundamental. 178 00:09:09,616 --> 00:09:12,918 It's how it relates to the places and spaces that it makes 179 00:09:12,920 --> 00:09:15,654 Are an absolutely essential part of that conversation, 180 00:09:15,656 --> 00:09:17,155 And that's something for the designers 181 00:09:17,157 --> 00:09:19,491 To bring into the design. It's a total design. 182 00:09:21,728 --> 00:09:24,629 Narrator: As innovation continued to enable aesthetics, 183 00:09:24,631 --> 00:09:28,733 A new race for the sky was gaining momentum. 184 00:09:28,735 --> 00:09:31,536 Motivated by changes and its economic structure 185 00:09:31,538 --> 00:09:33,338 And growing population, 186 00:09:33,340 --> 00:09:37,409 China was on the verge of an epic construction boom. 187 00:09:37,411 --> 00:09:40,612 As urban land became increasingly more valuable, 188 00:09:40,614 --> 00:09:45,050 So did the demand for high-rise buildings in central locations. 189 00:09:45,052 --> 00:09:48,086 It was clear that china was determined 190 00:09:48,088 --> 00:09:51,590 To place more skyscrapers on its urban skylines 191 00:09:51,592 --> 00:09:53,992 Than any other country in the world. 192 00:10:08,942 --> 00:10:10,642 Narrator: In the past few decades, 193 00:10:10,644 --> 00:10:13,645 China has undergone rapid urbanization. 194 00:10:13,647 --> 00:10:20,051 In 1979, only 17.6% of the population lived in urban areas. 195 00:10:20,053 --> 00:10:22,253 As a result, land developers 196 00:10:22,255 --> 00:10:25,123 Had an incentive to intensify development. 197 00:10:27,160 --> 00:10:29,961 Barr: China's the shining example of another nation 198 00:10:29,963 --> 00:10:31,563 That embraces skyscraper construction, 199 00:10:31,565 --> 00:10:35,066 And that is fundamentally driven by its rapid economic growth 200 00:10:35,068 --> 00:10:36,534 And the movement of people 201 00:10:36,536 --> 00:10:39,037 From agricultural parts of the country to the urban part. 202 00:10:40,874 --> 00:10:43,708 Watts: China isn't just building for its population 203 00:10:43,710 --> 00:10:46,544 And for its population which is developing, urbanizing, 204 00:10:46,546 --> 00:10:49,447 And becoming wealthier. 205 00:10:49,449 --> 00:10:52,350 It needs to build those buildings to house them, 206 00:10:52,352 --> 00:10:56,054 But also these buildings are the building blocks of wealth. 207 00:10:56,056 --> 00:10:58,189 Barr: It's fundamentally urbanization, 208 00:10:58,191 --> 00:11:01,993 Is what drives skyscrapers. 209 00:11:01,995 --> 00:11:04,362 Narrator: Since china embraced free market principles 210 00:11:04,364 --> 00:11:06,231 More than 30 years ago, 211 00:11:06,233 --> 00:11:08,099 The country's economy has been growing 212 00:11:08,101 --> 00:11:11,536 At an average of almost 10% each year, 213 00:11:11,538 --> 00:11:15,240 Three times the global average. 214 00:11:15,242 --> 00:11:16,941 Watts: They're the economic engines of the country, 215 00:11:16,943 --> 00:11:18,410 So they're creating cities. 216 00:11:18,412 --> 00:11:19,344 They're not just creating buildings, 217 00:11:19,346 --> 00:11:21,079 They're creating whole cities, 218 00:11:21,081 --> 00:11:23,148 Many of which are very high-rise. 219 00:11:25,218 --> 00:11:27,052 Howler: It was certainly a desire to sort of fit in, 220 00:11:27,054 --> 00:11:28,520 And there was certainly an aspiration 221 00:11:28,522 --> 00:11:31,856 To find a new "chinese" expression 222 00:11:31,858 --> 00:11:35,860 For what was previously a western building type. 223 00:11:35,862 --> 00:11:38,363 Narrator: Between 1980 and 1995, 224 00:11:38,365 --> 00:11:41,666 China was adding more skyscrapers to the skylines 225 00:11:41,668 --> 00:11:44,002 Than any other city in the world, 226 00:11:44,004 --> 00:11:45,470 And leading the charge 227 00:11:45,472 --> 00:11:49,174 Was the country's largest city -- shanghai. 228 00:11:49,176 --> 00:11:51,976 By the 1990s, economic reforms 229 00:11:51,978 --> 00:11:54,512 Introduced by politician deng xiaoping 230 00:11:54,514 --> 00:11:57,682 Resulted in a revitalization of the city. 231 00:11:57,684 --> 00:12:00,118 Referred to as "the head of the dragon", 232 00:12:00,120 --> 00:12:01,686 Shanghai set the tone 233 00:12:01,688 --> 00:12:06,091 For development into the 21st century. 234 00:12:06,093 --> 00:12:07,726 The pudong district is home 235 00:12:07,728 --> 00:12:10,662 To some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. 236 00:12:10,664 --> 00:12:13,031 Located on the east side of the city, 237 00:12:13,033 --> 00:12:18,136 The area has become a national symbol of prosperity. 238 00:12:18,138 --> 00:12:20,538 Oldfield: Deng xiaoping was 88 years old 239 00:12:20,540 --> 00:12:22,607 When he said, "this is the future 240 00:12:22,609 --> 00:12:26,878 Of china's kind of financial institutions here in pudong. 241 00:12:30,117 --> 00:12:31,750 Narrator: In chinese culture, 242 00:12:31,752 --> 00:12:35,420 The number eight is associated with wealth and success, 243 00:12:35,422 --> 00:12:39,023 So deng xiaoping's timing to expand city skylines 244 00:12:39,025 --> 00:12:41,126 Was right on the money. 245 00:12:41,128 --> 00:12:44,329 Deemed by some as the shining pearl of the east, 246 00:12:44,331 --> 00:12:48,867 Located at 88th century avenue, the jin mao tower proved to be 247 00:12:48,869 --> 00:12:52,170 A structural embodiment of the numeric concept. 248 00:12:52,172 --> 00:12:56,741 ♪ 249 00:12:56,743 --> 00:13:00,845 The building evolved on an octagonal kind of floor plate, 250 00:13:00,847 --> 00:13:03,481 With eight sides, eight mega-columns, 251 00:13:03,483 --> 00:13:05,416 And 88 stories. 252 00:13:07,454 --> 00:13:09,487 Narrator: Even less obvious structural elements 253 00:13:09,489 --> 00:13:11,923 All revolved around the number eight -- 254 00:13:11,925 --> 00:13:15,794 The eight steel and eight super-columns of concrete 255 00:13:15,796 --> 00:13:18,696 Surrounding the tower's core. 256 00:13:18,698 --> 00:13:22,634 The 88 floors are divided into 16 separate segments, 257 00:13:22,636 --> 00:13:27,038 Each of which is 1/8th shorter than the 16-story base. 258 00:13:31,311 --> 00:13:36,648 But I think the tower is about more than just number. 259 00:13:36,650 --> 00:13:38,016 The architect, adrian smith, 260 00:13:38,018 --> 00:13:42,887 Talks about how the design is inspired by a pagoda, 261 00:13:42,889 --> 00:13:46,891 Which is a vernacular chinese structure 262 00:13:46,893 --> 00:13:52,497 That staggers back with height, and the jin mao reflects that. 263 00:13:52,499 --> 00:13:55,567 For me, the most impressive space in the jin mao 264 00:13:55,569 --> 00:13:57,602 Is it's 40-story atrium, 265 00:13:57,604 --> 00:14:01,239 One of the most vibrant, exciting spaces 266 00:14:01,241 --> 00:14:03,074 In the world for me. 267 00:14:03,076 --> 00:14:05,543 Narrator: The postmodern jin mao tower pays homage 268 00:14:05,545 --> 00:14:06,878 To the ancient structures 269 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:08,913 That were built to honor buddha, 270 00:14:08,915 --> 00:14:11,316 But's structural harmony is demonstrated 271 00:14:11,318 --> 00:14:13,718 Through its use of feng shui. 272 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:15,753 It's glass and steel façade 273 00:14:15,755 --> 00:14:18,690 Evokes the art deco corner of shanghai. 274 00:14:21,328 --> 00:14:22,927 Howler: So, this question of image-making, 275 00:14:22,929 --> 00:14:24,996 I think became really important -- 276 00:14:24,998 --> 00:14:26,898 Image-making in terms of creating an icon 277 00:14:26,900 --> 00:14:30,668 That was legible to the general public. 278 00:14:30,670 --> 00:14:32,770 Cultural identities are being formed 279 00:14:32,772 --> 00:14:38,209 Between buildings and skylines and emerging sort of culture 280 00:14:38,211 --> 00:14:40,778 With these kind of images as their symbols. 281 00:14:42,849 --> 00:14:44,582 Narrator: This architectural concept 282 00:14:44,584 --> 00:14:47,685 Dominated asia's skylines in the 1990s, 283 00:14:47,687 --> 00:14:51,189 But thailand took this blended design concept 284 00:14:51,191 --> 00:14:54,192 To a whole new level. 285 00:14:54,194 --> 00:14:58,596 Thai culture is deeply influenced by religion. 286 00:14:58,598 --> 00:15:01,900 With around 95% of the country being buddhist, 287 00:15:01,902 --> 00:15:05,136 This culturally spiritual country tied architecture 288 00:15:05,138 --> 00:15:08,039 To its peoples' sense of community, values, 289 00:15:08,041 --> 00:15:09,674 And belief system. 290 00:15:11,745 --> 00:15:15,380 In ceremonial name alone, bangkok's view on design 291 00:15:15,382 --> 00:15:17,882 Was heavily influenced by tradition. 292 00:15:22,055 --> 00:15:25,823 For many tall buildings, shape and form is everything, 293 00:15:25,825 --> 00:15:28,993 And how do you display a piece of local culture, 294 00:15:28,995 --> 00:15:32,130 A piece of local history, to a global audience? 295 00:15:32,132 --> 00:15:33,765 Well, with the elephant building, 296 00:15:33,767 --> 00:15:37,535 The building is the elephant, the national animal, 297 00:15:37,537 --> 00:15:40,872 And so why not make the whole shape of the building 298 00:15:40,874 --> 00:15:42,507 Look like an elephant. 299 00:15:45,278 --> 00:15:49,714 Narrator: Completed 1997, this 335-foot-high tower 300 00:15:49,716 --> 00:15:51,683 Was designed as an iconic symbol 301 00:15:51,685 --> 00:15:55,186 That has been an integral part of thai culture, industry, 302 00:15:55,188 --> 00:15:57,555 And religion for centuries. 303 00:16:00,660 --> 00:16:03,895 Designed with features that resemble ears and eyes, 304 00:16:03,897 --> 00:16:06,197 This 32-story elephant tower 305 00:16:06,199 --> 00:16:09,167 Connects the nation's rich mythology and religion 306 00:16:09,169 --> 00:16:10,868 To its visual arts. 307 00:16:12,839 --> 00:16:14,939 But some people felt that the building, 308 00:16:14,941 --> 00:16:18,643 While playful in design, didn't accurately represent 309 00:16:18,645 --> 00:16:22,613 The capabilities of thai architecture. 310 00:16:22,615 --> 00:16:25,283 Howler: All architecture anticipates an audience, 311 00:16:25,285 --> 00:16:27,352 It anticipates interpretation, 312 00:16:27,354 --> 00:16:29,387 And I think it should offer many interpretations. 313 00:16:29,389 --> 00:16:32,123 It shouldn't sort of focus on a singular one. 314 00:16:32,125 --> 00:16:35,026 In my mind, they allow kind of global practice, 315 00:16:35,028 --> 00:16:38,196 But also find ways to become site-specific 316 00:16:38,198 --> 00:16:40,431 Without resorting to images. 317 00:16:40,433 --> 00:16:42,867 Even if the outcomes are something we might not like, 318 00:16:42,869 --> 00:16:46,004 They are still an expression of the place. 319 00:16:46,006 --> 00:16:47,772 Narrator: Still loved by the locals, 320 00:16:47,774 --> 00:16:50,008 The elephant building has, over time, 321 00:16:50,010 --> 00:16:53,111 Become architecture's elephant in the room, 322 00:16:53,113 --> 00:16:56,147 The structure to some that went a little too far 323 00:16:56,149 --> 00:16:59,784 In its quest to connect culture with its environment. 324 00:16:59,786 --> 00:17:05,256 ♪ 325 00:17:05,258 --> 00:17:08,092 By the late '90s, some countries in eastern asia 326 00:17:08,094 --> 00:17:11,162 Found themselves in a financial crisis. 327 00:17:11,164 --> 00:17:13,765 Due to sudden shifts in market expectations 328 00:17:13,767 --> 00:17:16,367 And local currency depreciation, 329 00:17:16,369 --> 00:17:18,569 Investors began to lose their confidence 330 00:17:18,571 --> 00:17:21,339 In doing business with the region. 331 00:17:21,341 --> 00:17:24,242 The result sent thailand's economy crashing, 332 00:17:24,244 --> 00:17:28,713 Forcing the construction industry to an abrupt halt. 333 00:17:28,715 --> 00:17:30,581 But as one country was struggling 334 00:17:30,583 --> 00:17:34,952 Through an economic downturn, another was thriving. 335 00:17:52,105 --> 00:17:54,205 Narrator: The iconic elephant building 336 00:17:54,207 --> 00:17:59,077 Reflected the nation's rich mythology and religion. 337 00:17:59,079 --> 00:18:01,913 Ironically, the same year it was built, 338 00:18:01,915 --> 00:18:03,815 The country devalued its currency 339 00:18:03,817 --> 00:18:05,716 Against the u.S. Dollar, 340 00:18:05,718 --> 00:18:09,687 Triggering a financial crisis that swept across east asia, 341 00:18:09,689 --> 00:18:13,124 Slowing economic growth and development in the region. 342 00:18:16,729 --> 00:18:19,330 But the middle east remained unaffected, 343 00:18:19,332 --> 00:18:23,000 And while other countries were pushing for higher oil prices, 344 00:18:23,002 --> 00:18:26,170 Dubai became a hotspot for investment. 345 00:18:28,108 --> 00:18:30,975 Lavery: So, there was a decision made quite some time ago 346 00:18:30,977 --> 00:18:32,977 That we needed to diversify the economy, 347 00:18:32,979 --> 00:18:36,080 Which dubai has managed to do in quite a spectacular fashion. 348 00:18:36,082 --> 00:18:38,516 The amount of tall buildings here is very, very limited 349 00:18:38,518 --> 00:18:43,054 To this kind of narrow structure along shaanxi road. 350 00:18:43,056 --> 00:18:46,924 A place which was a fishing village in the 1960s and '70s 351 00:18:46,926 --> 00:18:50,394 Very rapidly became a high-rise location. 352 00:18:52,465 --> 00:18:56,601 Narrator: Dubai opened its doors to the world, tax-free, 353 00:18:56,603 --> 00:18:59,604 And in the blink of an eye, transformed. 354 00:19:03,810 --> 00:19:06,644 So, they made a claim for commerce. 355 00:19:06,646 --> 00:19:08,479 They made a claim for tourism. 356 00:19:08,481 --> 00:19:12,984 They made a claim to build a city and the people will come. 357 00:19:15,522 --> 00:19:17,321 Watts: To attract tourists to the region, 358 00:19:17,323 --> 00:19:22,093 But also to create destinations for businesses, as well. 359 00:19:22,095 --> 00:19:24,929 The view was that this would be a hub 360 00:19:24,931 --> 00:19:27,365 Between the east and the west. 361 00:19:27,367 --> 00:19:28,933 Lavery: Everything started happening. 362 00:19:28,935 --> 00:19:32,203 We had this change in ownership laws, 363 00:19:32,205 --> 00:19:35,806 Which meant that from not being able to purchase property, 364 00:19:35,808 --> 00:19:38,476 That was opened up, and as soon as we saw that, 365 00:19:38,478 --> 00:19:41,679 Then we saw a lot of people rushing in to invest. 366 00:19:41,681 --> 00:19:45,783 What better way of demonstrating that than a seven-star hotel 367 00:19:45,785 --> 00:19:47,919 Built on its own manmade island? 368 00:19:47,921 --> 00:19:54,225 ♪ 369 00:19:54,227 --> 00:19:58,462 The intent of burj al arab was quite clear -- 370 00:19:58,464 --> 00:20:02,133 Build a building that displayed opulence and success. 371 00:20:02,135 --> 00:20:05,203 And the idea that it would stand out as a luxury item, 372 00:20:05,205 --> 00:20:07,672 Like a yacht. 373 00:20:07,674 --> 00:20:10,708 Narrator: Designed to resemble the sail of a yacht, 374 00:20:10,710 --> 00:20:14,946 The burj al arab was a hotel that radiated luxury. 375 00:20:16,516 --> 00:20:18,249 Oldfield: What's quite interesting about the building 376 00:20:18,251 --> 00:20:20,451 Is despite the fact it's super-tall, 377 00:20:20,453 --> 00:20:22,787 It's over 300 meters high, 378 00:20:22,789 --> 00:20:27,158 Is it only houses 28 stories, 379 00:20:27,160 --> 00:20:30,228 What we would expect in a 150-meter-tall building, 380 00:20:30,230 --> 00:20:33,030 And that's because each floor's double-height 381 00:20:33,032 --> 00:20:36,968 To fit in these luxury, opulent hotel rooms 382 00:20:36,970 --> 00:20:39,070 That cost thousands and thousands of dollars 383 00:20:39,072 --> 00:20:40,304 To stay in each night. 384 00:20:42,408 --> 00:20:46,544 Narrator: And the interior was just as majestic as the exterior, 385 00:20:46,546 --> 00:20:48,612 With intricate glass chandeliers, 386 00:20:48,614 --> 00:20:50,514 Marble columns from Italy, 387 00:20:50,516 --> 00:20:54,485 And custom-made carpets and rugs from south africa and india. 388 00:20:54,487 --> 00:20:56,587 The interiors of the burj al arab 389 00:20:56,589 --> 00:20:58,656 Contained the finest materials 390 00:20:58,658 --> 00:21:01,158 Sourced from locations worldwide. 391 00:21:03,096 --> 00:21:06,264 Lavery: It has this interesting mix of materials and systems. 392 00:21:06,266 --> 00:21:08,466 You got fabric mixed in with, you know, 393 00:21:08,468 --> 00:21:11,335 Exposed steelwork on the perimeter. 394 00:21:11,337 --> 00:21:13,771 Narrator: A steel skeleton braced with trusses 395 00:21:13,773 --> 00:21:16,841 Gives the burj al arab its sail-like shape. 396 00:21:16,843 --> 00:21:19,043 Its multi-layered fabric façade 397 00:21:19,045 --> 00:21:21,279 Provide the necessary thermal properties 398 00:21:21,281 --> 00:21:23,381 To diffuse light and heat. 399 00:21:27,487 --> 00:21:29,787 Lined with a geotextile membrane 400 00:21:29,789 --> 00:21:32,156 And hydraulically filled with sand, 401 00:21:32,158 --> 00:21:34,992 The structure is located on an artificial island 402 00:21:34,994 --> 00:21:39,363 Held in place by 255-foot-diameter columns 403 00:21:39,365 --> 00:21:42,900 And anchored nearly 150 feet underwater. 404 00:21:42,902 --> 00:21:48,272 ♪ 405 00:21:48,274 --> 00:21:50,074 Morris: It transcended what a building was 406 00:21:50,076 --> 00:21:52,243 By what it was and what it represented, 407 00:21:52,245 --> 00:21:55,479 And really, that building put a country on the map. 408 00:21:57,817 --> 00:21:59,150 Barr: I mean, the larger plan 409 00:21:59,152 --> 00:22:00,951 Is not just build the skyscrapers and then come, 410 00:22:00,953 --> 00:22:04,855 But you also have to sort of encourage businesses to come. 411 00:22:04,857 --> 00:22:06,223 Armstrong: Who heard of dubai 412 00:22:06,225 --> 00:22:09,760 Before all these tall buildings existed in dubai? 413 00:22:09,762 --> 00:22:12,430 Very few people knew dubai even existed. 414 00:22:12,432 --> 00:22:15,066 But now it's certainly on everybody's radar, 415 00:22:15,068 --> 00:22:18,936 And it's become, overnight almost, an international city. 416 00:22:20,907 --> 00:22:22,473 Narrator: By the turn of the century, 417 00:22:22,475 --> 00:22:24,875 Designers had met every conceivable challenge 418 00:22:24,877 --> 00:22:27,511 In the race to build to the sky, 419 00:22:27,513 --> 00:22:29,680 Blending innovative engineering techniques 420 00:22:29,682 --> 00:22:32,917 And design features, architects and engineers 421 00:22:32,919 --> 00:22:36,087 Were building structures stronger and bigger than ever 422 00:22:36,089 --> 00:22:39,623 So that they could withstand the elements. 423 00:22:39,625 --> 00:22:42,993 But in 2001, a new threat emerged 424 00:22:42,995 --> 00:22:45,463 That would change the skyscraper industry 425 00:22:45,465 --> 00:22:47,865 And the world forever. 426 00:22:47,867 --> 00:22:49,834 The minute those towers came down, 427 00:22:49,836 --> 00:22:53,104 People felt that something had been pulled from their hearts. 428 00:22:53,106 --> 00:22:56,607 They felt that new york's skyline had been so defined 429 00:22:56,609 --> 00:22:59,443 By those two buildings being on the tip of manhattan. 430 00:23:16,229 --> 00:23:18,629 Narrator: September 11th, 2001, 431 00:23:18,631 --> 00:23:21,399 Forced the world into a state of panic. 432 00:23:23,403 --> 00:23:26,203 A flight loaded with 20,000 gallons of fueled 433 00:23:26,205 --> 00:23:28,172 Crashed into one of new york city's 434 00:23:28,174 --> 00:23:30,307 Most iconic landmarks -- 435 00:23:30,309 --> 00:23:32,243 The world trade center. 436 00:23:34,814 --> 00:23:39,116 Today our fellow citizens, our way of life, 437 00:23:39,118 --> 00:23:41,752 Our very freedom came under attack 438 00:23:41,754 --> 00:23:45,689 In a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. 439 00:23:49,762 --> 00:23:51,829 Narrator: In addition to the emotional damage, 440 00:23:51,831 --> 00:23:55,299 A new threat to the skyscraper industry emerged. 441 00:23:55,301 --> 00:23:59,403 At 110 stories, respectively, the north and south towers 442 00:23:59,405 --> 00:24:02,907 Were demolished by the event. 443 00:24:02,909 --> 00:24:04,875 Aminmansour: Those buildings were originally designed 444 00:24:04,877 --> 00:24:07,745 To resist the direct impact of an airplane, 445 00:24:07,747 --> 00:24:09,380 The largest airplane at that time, 446 00:24:09,382 --> 00:24:11,015 Which was much smaller than the planes 447 00:24:11,017 --> 00:24:14,051 That actually hit the building. 448 00:24:14,053 --> 00:24:18,289 And in both cases, the structure actually performed very well. 449 00:24:18,291 --> 00:24:19,824 The structure stood, 450 00:24:19,826 --> 00:24:23,127 So the impact did not bring down the towers. 451 00:24:25,665 --> 00:24:27,832 The downside was the impact 452 00:24:27,834 --> 00:24:32,002 Dislodged quite a lot of the internal fireproofing. 453 00:24:32,004 --> 00:24:36,974 Aminmansour: And then you have tens of thousands of gallons of jet fuel 454 00:24:36,976 --> 00:24:39,743 Burning at thousands of degrees. 455 00:24:39,745 --> 00:24:42,446 Steel is very susceptible to high temperatures, 456 00:24:42,448 --> 00:24:49,220 And as steel gets hot, it loses its strength and stiffness. 457 00:24:49,222 --> 00:24:52,389 There was the intensity of the fire from the fuel load, 458 00:24:52,391 --> 00:24:56,293 Obviously the fuel from the contents of the offices, 459 00:24:56,295 --> 00:24:57,828 And the lack of fire protection 460 00:24:57,830 --> 00:24:59,797 To some of the structural members 461 00:24:59,799 --> 00:25:02,366 That did actually ultimately lead to the building collapse. 462 00:25:02,368 --> 00:25:09,707 ♪ 463 00:25:09,709 --> 00:25:12,943 Aminmansour: When a column fails, it suddenly buckles, 464 00:25:12,945 --> 00:25:14,979 And when it buckles, it pops, 465 00:25:14,981 --> 00:25:17,648 And that's why you see each floor popping, 466 00:25:17,650 --> 00:25:20,518 And there's a wave that goes down the building 467 00:25:20,520 --> 00:25:22,987 And demolishes the rest of the structure. 468 00:25:26,158 --> 00:25:28,425 All the connections that were in the buildings 469 00:25:28,427 --> 00:25:30,895 Of all of the lives, of all the history, 470 00:25:30,897 --> 00:25:33,631 Of its place in history on the skyline 471 00:25:33,633 --> 00:25:37,468 Were suddenly tragically transformed. 472 00:25:40,206 --> 00:25:42,206 Ascher: The minute those towers came down, 473 00:25:42,208 --> 00:25:45,476 People felt that something had been pulled from their hearts. 474 00:25:45,478 --> 00:25:48,979 They felt that new york's skyline had been so defined 475 00:25:48,981 --> 00:25:51,916 By those two buildings being on the tip of manhattan. 476 00:25:55,054 --> 00:25:59,290 Willis: And so, the meaning of skyscrapers in the culture, 477 00:25:59,292 --> 00:26:03,227 Which is never uniformly one thing or another, 478 00:26:03,229 --> 00:26:05,930 By some cataclysmic event like this, 479 00:26:05,932 --> 00:26:08,065 Will change its identity. 480 00:26:08,067 --> 00:26:13,003 ♪ 481 00:26:13,005 --> 00:26:15,573 Narrator: In the years that followed the 9/11 attacks, 482 00:26:15,575 --> 00:26:18,876 Many aspects of life in america changed. 483 00:26:18,878 --> 00:26:22,813 One of the most immediate responses -- building safety. 484 00:26:22,815 --> 00:26:25,583 Now more than ever, engineers were compelled 485 00:26:25,585 --> 00:26:29,820 To make new and existing structures safer. 486 00:26:29,822 --> 00:26:33,757 We still don't design buildings to resist the direct impact 487 00:26:33,759 --> 00:26:37,728 Of a 757 jetliner and not be damaged 488 00:26:37,730 --> 00:26:39,964 Because that's just not possible. 489 00:26:39,966 --> 00:26:44,535 We need to prevent those things in a different way. 490 00:26:44,537 --> 00:26:47,471 Watts: But you can make that design in a way 491 00:26:47,473 --> 00:26:50,341 That makes it more difficult to enter the building 492 00:26:50,343 --> 00:26:52,509 Or come close to a building in the first place. 493 00:26:52,511 --> 00:26:54,578 Narrator: In the aftermath of the attacks, 494 00:26:54,580 --> 00:26:56,547 The international code council, 495 00:26:56,549 --> 00:26:59,083 The association that enforces policy change 496 00:26:59,085 --> 00:27:01,018 Throughout the construction industry, 497 00:27:01,020 --> 00:27:05,322 Revised their building safety codes and standard practices. 498 00:27:05,324 --> 00:27:08,525 New rules pertaining to elevator installations, 499 00:27:08,527 --> 00:27:10,194 Additional stairways, 500 00:27:10,196 --> 00:27:12,796 More robust fireproofing for buildings, 501 00:27:12,798 --> 00:27:15,499 And impact-resistant wall installation 502 00:27:15,501 --> 00:27:18,702 Were just a few of the policies put into place. 503 00:27:18,704 --> 00:27:20,604 Ascher: So, your lobby has changed. 504 00:27:20,606 --> 00:27:22,673 It used to be people walked in, they got to the elevator, 505 00:27:22,675 --> 00:27:24,908 They went up. Now, largely, 506 00:27:24,910 --> 00:27:27,378 In any office building of any size, 507 00:27:27,380 --> 00:27:29,446 You have to be let through security. 508 00:27:29,448 --> 00:27:34,985 ♪ 509 00:27:34,987 --> 00:27:38,389 Narrator: The first tall building to emerge in new york after 9/11 510 00:27:38,391 --> 00:27:42,092 Was norman foster's dramatic hearst tower. 511 00:27:44,230 --> 00:27:45,996 There was no need to break ground 512 00:27:45,998 --> 00:27:48,832 To create this groundbreaking structure. 513 00:27:48,834 --> 00:27:52,036 The building was designed to make use of the structure 514 00:27:52,038 --> 00:27:54,705 Already on-site. 515 00:27:54,707 --> 00:27:58,042 Foster: Randolph hearst's vision in the 1920s 516 00:27:58,044 --> 00:28:01,378 Was always that this would be the area 517 00:28:01,380 --> 00:28:05,783 Of extraordinary media focus 518 00:28:05,785 --> 00:28:08,419 Of which this building would be a part. 519 00:28:11,390 --> 00:28:14,158 So, when we had the opportunity 520 00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:17,261 Of seeking to create a tall tower, 521 00:28:17,263 --> 00:28:22,566 It was an opportunity to preserve that base. 522 00:28:22,568 --> 00:28:25,135 Narrator: The hearst tower was the first tall building 523 00:28:25,137 --> 00:28:30,974 In the united states to use cutting-edge diagrid technology. 524 00:28:30,976 --> 00:28:34,745 Aminmansour: Diagrid system is a diagonal grid structure. 525 00:28:34,747 --> 00:28:37,414 Instead of having octagonal beams and columns 526 00:28:37,416 --> 00:28:39,750 In the structure, you have diagonal members 527 00:28:39,752 --> 00:28:43,253 That make up the beams and columns. 528 00:28:43,255 --> 00:28:45,522 Ordinarily, they're on the surface of the building, 529 00:28:45,524 --> 00:28:48,058 So that provides the vertical gravity support 530 00:28:48,060 --> 00:28:50,627 As well as lateral load resisting. 531 00:28:53,432 --> 00:28:58,902 And it makes the exterior wall very stiff again, 532 00:28:58,904 --> 00:29:00,437 And you can use glass. 533 00:29:02,074 --> 00:29:05,576 And it creates a nice aesthetic expression, also. 534 00:29:07,780 --> 00:29:09,279 Narrator: The result of this 535 00:29:09,281 --> 00:29:12,516 And other similarly new construction technologies 536 00:29:12,518 --> 00:29:14,218 Meant that buildings no longer needed 537 00:29:14,220 --> 00:29:16,587 To be supported by their bases, 538 00:29:16,589 --> 00:29:19,423 And in this case, that allowed foster the ability 539 00:29:19,425 --> 00:29:22,392 To repurpose the original hearst building. 540 00:29:25,898 --> 00:29:30,467 So, by gutting that and making that the community heart -- 541 00:29:30,469 --> 00:29:32,669 The restaurant, the exhibition space -- 542 00:29:32,671 --> 00:29:34,238 Where everybody would meet, 543 00:29:34,240 --> 00:29:37,808 The tower would somehow float above the base, 544 00:29:37,810 --> 00:29:39,743 And the base was the anchor, 545 00:29:39,745 --> 00:29:42,813 And you wouldn't confuse the old and the new. 546 00:29:44,517 --> 00:29:47,651 Very, very clear differentiation. 547 00:29:47,653 --> 00:29:52,623 This is 1928, that's art deco, this is today. 548 00:29:56,328 --> 00:29:59,396 Narrator: Finding innovative ways to blend the new with the old 549 00:29:59,398 --> 00:30:02,032 Is a constant challenge for architects, 550 00:30:02,034 --> 00:30:06,036 Even those working in modern, urbanized cities like new york. 551 00:30:08,040 --> 00:30:10,440 But in areas that are not as progressive, 552 00:30:10,442 --> 00:30:13,944 Developing skyscrapers designed to embody the future 553 00:30:13,946 --> 00:30:16,814 Is an even more difficult task. 554 00:30:33,465 --> 00:30:35,199 Narrator: In the next 40 years, 555 00:30:35,201 --> 00:30:38,969 The urban population across the world is expected to double, 556 00:30:38,971 --> 00:30:40,237 So it is essential 557 00:30:40,239 --> 00:30:43,006 That cities undergo meaningful transformations 558 00:30:43,008 --> 00:30:46,143 In order to allow for sustainable change. 559 00:30:46,145 --> 00:30:50,080 However, the challenge for architects and engineers 560 00:30:50,082 --> 00:30:53,984 Is how to modernize without compromising on preservation. 561 00:30:55,921 --> 00:30:58,222 Wood: Europe has, in some places, hundreds, 562 00:30:58,224 --> 00:31:00,958 Maybe even thousands of years of tradition 563 00:31:00,960 --> 00:31:04,127 And physical presence in a city 564 00:31:04,129 --> 00:31:06,697 That a lot of american cities don't have 565 00:31:06,699 --> 00:31:10,133 And a lot of asian cities don't have. 566 00:31:10,135 --> 00:31:12,603 A significant tall building in a european city 567 00:31:12,605 --> 00:31:15,973 Might take literally 15 years to come to fruition. 568 00:31:15,975 --> 00:31:17,875 It'll be subject to public inquiry, 569 00:31:17,877 --> 00:31:20,444 It'll be subject to everybody's views, 570 00:31:20,446 --> 00:31:22,646 And that's not necessarily a bad thing. 571 00:31:24,516 --> 00:31:27,317 Narrator: Many have argued that the regulations and restrictions 572 00:31:27,319 --> 00:31:29,419 In london have a direct correlation 573 00:31:29,421 --> 00:31:32,155 With its low-rise building infrastructure, 574 00:31:32,157 --> 00:31:34,658 Its legislation written to protect buildings 575 00:31:34,660 --> 00:31:36,960 With historical significance. 576 00:31:39,398 --> 00:31:41,899 Oldfield: The history of tall buildings in london 577 00:31:41,901 --> 00:31:43,533 Has always been quite checkered. 578 00:31:43,535 --> 00:31:46,803 They've always been quite controversial, 579 00:31:46,805 --> 00:31:49,106 And over time, a series of legislations 580 00:31:49,108 --> 00:31:51,041 Have been put in place to protect 581 00:31:51,043 --> 00:31:55,112 Historic viewing corridors. 582 00:31:55,114 --> 00:31:58,081 In london, for example, there's a tremendous amount of attention 583 00:31:58,083 --> 00:32:01,351 To how that tower meets the ground. 584 00:32:01,353 --> 00:32:04,187 You're kind of surgically inserting this tower 585 00:32:04,189 --> 00:32:06,423 Into a very historic fabric. 586 00:32:08,594 --> 00:32:11,929 Wood: Also respecting hundreds of years of tradition 587 00:32:11,931 --> 00:32:15,232 And often physical restrictions on site. 588 00:32:15,234 --> 00:32:18,702 Take the '50s and '60s, it was about social housing. 589 00:32:18,704 --> 00:32:20,671 It was about where we housed people. 590 00:32:20,673 --> 00:32:23,340 It was a solution to a problem, if you like, 591 00:32:23,342 --> 00:32:26,310 But it's kind of changing now. 592 00:32:26,312 --> 00:32:27,611 When I was a student, 593 00:32:27,613 --> 00:32:30,247 When I was going into architectural practice, 594 00:32:30,249 --> 00:32:33,517 It was a transition between keeping everything traditional, 595 00:32:33,519 --> 00:32:35,419 And then the younger architects such as richard rogers 596 00:32:35,421 --> 00:32:38,121 And norman foster who were diametrically opposed to. 597 00:32:38,123 --> 00:32:40,924 They wanted modern, they wanted clean, contemporary architect. 598 00:32:40,926 --> 00:32:45,529 They wanted abrasive but really forward-thinking architectures. 599 00:32:45,531 --> 00:32:48,598 A building is a response to a need, 600 00:32:48,600 --> 00:32:51,034 And if you think through some of those needs, 601 00:32:51,036 --> 00:32:53,670 Maybe question what's been done before, 602 00:32:53,672 --> 00:32:55,672 Then perhaps something comes out 603 00:32:55,674 --> 00:32:58,809 In a way that is different from the past. 604 00:33:02,147 --> 00:33:04,915 Narrator: The balance between the preservation of urban landmarks 605 00:33:04,917 --> 00:33:07,117 And the acceleration of urban development 606 00:33:07,119 --> 00:33:08,986 Is a global challenge, 607 00:33:08,988 --> 00:33:11,822 And like most undertakings that affect growth, 608 00:33:11,824 --> 00:33:15,859 Anything new or different comes with an array of critiques. 609 00:33:15,861 --> 00:33:18,829 So it was no surprise when norman foster + partners' 610 00:33:18,831 --> 00:33:22,232 Radical design for the 30 st mary axe building 611 00:33:22,234 --> 00:33:26,670 Attracted its fair share of opposition. 612 00:33:26,672 --> 00:33:29,906 The design philosophy behind that building 613 00:33:29,908 --> 00:33:33,510 Is a personal passion in which permeates this practice, 614 00:33:33,512 --> 00:33:37,714 And that is an awareness of the importance of sustainability. 615 00:33:37,716 --> 00:33:41,952 And the building is an attempt with nature 616 00:33:41,954 --> 00:33:43,920 That is naturally ventilated 617 00:33:43,922 --> 00:33:47,024 For something like more than 70% of the times. 618 00:33:47,026 --> 00:33:50,394 So it's the opposite of a sealed, glass, 619 00:33:50,396 --> 00:33:52,195 Air-conditioned box. 620 00:33:54,933 --> 00:33:56,633 Brooker: We're not just putting glass on building. 621 00:33:56,635 --> 00:33:58,835 You're using glass that allows a lot of daylight 622 00:33:58,837 --> 00:34:00,103 To come through it, 623 00:34:00,105 --> 00:34:02,739 It filters out all of the heat-giving properties 624 00:34:02,741 --> 00:34:04,741 That you don't want inside. 625 00:34:04,743 --> 00:34:07,110 Narrator: Conceptually, 30 st mary axe 626 00:34:07,112 --> 00:34:09,713 Incorporated both modern design elements 627 00:34:09,715 --> 00:34:12,816 And technologically advanced structural features 628 00:34:12,818 --> 00:34:16,119 On the interior of the building. 629 00:34:16,121 --> 00:34:17,721 Morris: Inside, it was all about space, 630 00:34:17,723 --> 00:34:19,723 About how these spaces interacted with each other, 631 00:34:19,725 --> 00:34:22,492 So they weren't pure floor plates. 632 00:34:22,494 --> 00:34:23,660 That comes from an architect 633 00:34:23,662 --> 00:34:26,129 Who understands kind of the social aspect 634 00:34:26,131 --> 00:34:29,266 Of how high-rise buildings interact. 635 00:34:29,268 --> 00:34:31,802 Brooker: People absolutely responded to that. 636 00:34:31,804 --> 00:34:34,805 They behave very differently in the same area 637 00:34:34,807 --> 00:34:39,276 If it's closed in and tight, lower ceilings, pulled-in walls. 638 00:34:39,278 --> 00:34:42,512 If it's open and taller and loftier and it's designed, 639 00:34:42,514 --> 00:34:46,750 That's one of the great things that you are able to manipulate. 640 00:34:46,752 --> 00:34:49,119 Narrator: On the exterior, the building was made 641 00:34:49,121 --> 00:34:52,222 Of over 250,000 square feet of glass 642 00:34:52,224 --> 00:34:55,192 Arranged in diamond-shaped panes. 643 00:34:55,194 --> 00:34:58,995 Out of the 7,429 panes of flat glass 644 00:34:58,997 --> 00:35:01,698 That covered the exterior of the building, 645 00:35:01,700 --> 00:35:05,202 The only curved piece was located at the top. 646 00:35:05,204 --> 00:35:07,170 The decorative gray-tinted glass 647 00:35:07,172 --> 00:35:10,574 Was designed purposefully to draw the eye upward. 648 00:35:12,544 --> 00:35:14,878 For the people on the outside, I think that's a very good thing 649 00:35:14,880 --> 00:35:16,179 Because buildings are transparent. 650 00:35:16,181 --> 00:35:17,380 You can see through them, 651 00:35:17,382 --> 00:35:19,683 So they're not this mysterious closed cell. 652 00:35:19,685 --> 00:35:21,451 It's quite a gentle curved form, 653 00:35:21,453 --> 00:35:24,454 But it pulls in and tightens into the base. 654 00:35:26,625 --> 00:35:28,758 The whole square -- open space is very precious 655 00:35:28,760 --> 00:35:30,727 In the city of london. They don't have many of them. 656 00:35:30,729 --> 00:35:32,996 So soon as the sunshine hits the space, 657 00:35:32,998 --> 00:35:36,333 It's packed with people. 658 00:35:36,335 --> 00:35:39,603 Narrator: Despite its unusual shape, the building has been recognized 659 00:35:39,605 --> 00:35:43,173 As one of the most distinctive skyscrapers in london, 660 00:35:43,175 --> 00:35:47,244 Its form so unique that it has even been given a nickname -- 661 00:35:47,246 --> 00:35:49,312 The gherkin. 662 00:35:49,314 --> 00:35:52,516 Foster: That building became symbolic of the city of london 663 00:35:52,518 --> 00:35:54,251 As a metropolis, 664 00:35:54,253 --> 00:35:59,022 So it's captured something in the popular imagination. 665 00:35:59,024 --> 00:36:02,192 And we can all try and psychoanalyze that, 666 00:36:02,194 --> 00:36:05,462 But the reality is that it's symbolic of a place. 667 00:36:05,464 --> 00:36:11,234 ♪ 668 00:36:11,236 --> 00:36:14,638 Narrator: Like foster + partners, taipei provided architects 669 00:36:14,640 --> 00:36:17,307 With free reign to build skyscrapers 670 00:36:17,309 --> 00:36:21,378 That would draw up on the country's rich history. 671 00:36:21,380 --> 00:36:23,213 But even though designers were thriving 672 00:36:23,215 --> 00:36:24,781 In the lucrative region, 673 00:36:24,783 --> 00:36:28,852 Engineers were met with earth-shaking challenges. 674 00:36:47,973 --> 00:36:52,175 Narrator: By the early 21st century, china's own liberty island, 675 00:36:52,177 --> 00:36:54,211 Otherwise known as taipei, 676 00:36:54,213 --> 00:36:57,814 Was in the middle of a massive skyscraper boom. 677 00:36:57,816 --> 00:36:59,816 Since the economy was thriving, 678 00:36:59,818 --> 00:37:02,686 The opportunity for designers to build taller 679 00:37:02,688 --> 00:37:04,821 Was not just an aspiration. 680 00:37:04,823 --> 00:37:06,590 It was encouraged. 681 00:37:09,895 --> 00:37:12,362 Even though the economy was rock solid, 682 00:37:12,364 --> 00:37:16,299 The weather created many engineering challenges. 683 00:37:18,971 --> 00:37:22,939 Taiwan is very high-wind area with typhoons. 684 00:37:22,941 --> 00:37:25,408 At the same time, it's high seismic region 685 00:37:25,410 --> 00:37:28,178 With a lot of earthquake events. 686 00:37:28,180 --> 00:37:30,647 Oldfield: When we build the tallest buildings in the world, 687 00:37:30,649 --> 00:37:33,083 The wind pushes on tall buildings 688 00:37:33,085 --> 00:37:35,785 And creates a lateral load 689 00:37:35,787 --> 00:37:39,556 That we have to resist using additional structural material. 690 00:37:41,526 --> 00:37:44,961 As you get super tall, kind of beyond 400, 500 meters, 691 00:37:44,963 --> 00:37:47,530 It's wind that dominates the design. 692 00:37:47,532 --> 00:37:49,532 That means working with the wind-tunnel laboratories 693 00:37:49,534 --> 00:37:53,536 Quite a lot to test our ideas out. 694 00:37:53,538 --> 00:37:55,438 What many people don't realize is that 695 00:37:55,440 --> 00:37:59,542 When wind hits the surface of the building in this direction, 696 00:37:59,544 --> 00:38:01,044 It's the movement of the building 697 00:38:01,046 --> 00:38:03,747 In the perpendicular direction that is critical. 698 00:38:03,749 --> 00:38:06,349 When wind hits the building, 699 00:38:06,351 --> 00:38:08,485 It creates a pressure on the building 700 00:38:08,487 --> 00:38:10,854 And pushes it back slightly. 701 00:38:10,856 --> 00:38:14,057 But the air has to go around the building. 702 00:38:14,059 --> 00:38:15,692 Baker: Generally goes around in a pattern 703 00:38:15,694 --> 00:38:18,662 Where it goes first to one side and then the other, back again, 704 00:38:18,664 --> 00:38:22,966 And as it goes by, it'll create these vortices in the air. 705 00:38:22,968 --> 00:38:24,901 Lavery: If you've got the same structure all the way up, 706 00:38:24,903 --> 00:38:26,202 It'll organize itself 707 00:38:26,204 --> 00:38:28,171 And you'll start to get this dynamic movement, 708 00:38:28,173 --> 00:38:33,243 Which really creates problems and amplifies forces. 709 00:38:33,245 --> 00:38:36,513 Aminmansour: So, what you want to do is to confuse the wind 710 00:38:36,515 --> 00:38:37,814 So that these vertices 711 00:38:37,816 --> 00:38:41,718 Do not sort of have an opportunity to organize. 712 00:38:41,720 --> 00:38:45,255 You and I cannot change the speed and direction of wind, 713 00:38:45,257 --> 00:38:47,991 But we can design our buildings in such a way 714 00:38:47,993 --> 00:38:51,861 That they are subjected to smaller loads. 715 00:38:51,863 --> 00:38:53,663 Narrator: In addition to wind patterns, 716 00:38:53,665 --> 00:38:56,099 The designers of taipei 101 717 00:38:56,101 --> 00:38:58,902 Had to consider seismic activity 718 00:38:58,904 --> 00:39:03,106 To design a skyscraper that can absorb the energy of the waves 719 00:39:03,108 --> 00:39:05,442 Throughout the entire building. 720 00:39:05,444 --> 00:39:09,346 Taipei 101 is a perfect example of a structure 721 00:39:09,348 --> 00:39:13,483 That takes seismic activity into consideration. 722 00:39:13,485 --> 00:39:16,953 To build up, the engineers had to drill down 723 00:39:16,955 --> 00:39:22,392 Through 200 feet of dirt and over 66 feet of bedrock. 724 00:39:22,394 --> 00:39:25,295 Poon: We developed a dual structural system. 725 00:39:25,297 --> 00:39:27,530 We still work with a steel core. 726 00:39:27,532 --> 00:39:29,933 We still mainly use a steel structure, 727 00:39:29,935 --> 00:39:34,771 Which is an elastic structure better for earthquakes. 728 00:39:34,773 --> 00:39:37,841 And steel structure is lighter than concrete structure. 729 00:39:37,843 --> 00:39:39,809 It will reduce seismic load 730 00:39:39,811 --> 00:39:42,812 Because the heavier the structure, 731 00:39:42,814 --> 00:39:45,882 The more earthquake load you will absorb. 732 00:39:45,884 --> 00:39:49,452 We also used a full perimeter of the building 733 00:39:49,454 --> 00:39:51,087 To be part of the structure, 734 00:39:51,089 --> 00:39:54,457 Working with the tower core with a perimeter mega frame, 735 00:39:54,459 --> 00:39:57,160 And also with outrigger system 736 00:39:57,162 --> 00:40:00,296 Tying, connecting the tower core with the exterior frame. 737 00:40:03,168 --> 00:40:06,736 Narrator: In effect, the structure was strategically designed 738 00:40:06,738 --> 00:40:08,405 To trick the wind. 739 00:40:12,010 --> 00:40:16,246 To ensure stability, an 800-ton counterweight was added, 740 00:40:16,248 --> 00:40:20,083 Which suspends between the 87th and 91st floors. 741 00:40:22,087 --> 00:40:25,321 This is an 800-ton pendulum 742 00:40:25,323 --> 00:40:28,124 At the top of the building over four stories, 743 00:40:28,126 --> 00:40:31,294 Which is connected to a series of shock absorbers. 744 00:40:32,864 --> 00:40:36,533 What happens in a typhoon scenario 745 00:40:36,535 --> 00:40:38,701 Is the wind will blow on the building 746 00:40:38,703 --> 00:40:43,606 And the pendulum will convert the movement energy of the wind 747 00:40:43,608 --> 00:40:47,143 Into heat energy in the shock absorbers. 748 00:40:47,145 --> 00:40:51,714 So it's a redundancy mechanism to protect the building 749 00:40:51,716 --> 00:40:53,483 And to protect the occupants 750 00:40:53,485 --> 00:40:56,219 In those very high wind scenarios. 751 00:40:56,221 --> 00:40:58,988 When the wind blows in one direction, 752 00:40:58,990 --> 00:41:01,658 The tuned mass damper will swing in the opposite direction 753 00:41:01,660 --> 00:41:05,395 To counteract the building movement. 754 00:41:05,397 --> 00:41:08,131 Oldfield: One of the problems with tuned mass dampers 755 00:41:08,133 --> 00:41:11,201 Is they take up floor area at the top of the building, 756 00:41:11,203 --> 00:41:14,504 So as a developer, you're losing four stories. 757 00:41:14,506 --> 00:41:17,140 So what better way to try and make some of that money back 758 00:41:17,142 --> 00:41:19,876 Than to hang that pendulum in an atrium 759 00:41:19,878 --> 00:41:22,846 And to make that a kind of observation level? 760 00:41:25,283 --> 00:41:27,617 Narrator: Proving to be a technological feat, 761 00:41:27,619 --> 00:41:29,819 Taipei 101 drew inspiration 762 00:41:29,821 --> 00:41:32,255 From the jin mao tower in shanghai 763 00:41:32,257 --> 00:41:34,824 And the petronas in kuala lumpur 764 00:41:34,826 --> 00:41:37,427 To become a cultural masterpiece. 765 00:41:39,898 --> 00:41:43,967 Some suggested the skyscraper resembled an elongated pagoda, 766 00:41:43,969 --> 00:41:46,903 Symbolizing protection and achievement. 767 00:41:46,905 --> 00:41:49,806 Others believed it looked like a shoot of bamboo, 768 00:41:49,808 --> 00:41:53,109 A plant admired for its strength and resilience. 769 00:41:53,111 --> 00:41:56,045 And of course, the number eight is omnipresent 770 00:41:56,047 --> 00:41:57,480 In its floor plan, 771 00:41:57,482 --> 00:42:00,617 Bringing good fortune and abundance to all. 772 00:42:03,455 --> 00:42:06,322 Taipei 101 set the bar high 773 00:42:06,324 --> 00:42:09,993 For those seeking to build to the sky. 774 00:42:09,995 --> 00:42:12,495 We're gonna find ways to go taller and taller. 775 00:42:12,497 --> 00:42:15,164 We still got a long way before we need to worry about 776 00:42:15,166 --> 00:42:18,134 Anything really bringing those to a stop 777 00:42:18,136 --> 00:42:21,971 In terms of, you know, going as high as we can. 778 00:42:21,973 --> 00:42:24,908 I'm often asked the question, you know, how tall can we go, 779 00:42:24,910 --> 00:42:27,410 And technically, there's no limit. 780 00:42:27,412 --> 00:42:31,814 ♪