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
♪