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Narrator:
Like giant exclamation marks,
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Skyscrapers punctuate the story
of our urban development.
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People always want to reach.
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There's something heavenly
about it.
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And people have wanted
to race for height forever.
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Narrator: Developed by
the pioneers of architecture
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In the late 19th century...
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Foster:
They were, at the time,
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The equivalent
of our going to the moon.
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Narrator: ...These magnificently
designed tower giants
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Urbanized some of the greatest
cities in the world.
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It's about defying gravity...
And leaving a sign of humanity.
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Narrator: From chicago to
london, from tokyo to dubai,
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Skyscrapers have
and continue to define
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Our contemporary way of life.
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-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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By 2010, the skyscraper bar
was higher than ever before,
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And one building stood out
from all the rest.
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Topping out at 2,717 feet,
dubai's burj khalifa
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Did not bring an end to
our obsession with skyscrapers.
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If anything, it provided
a new proof of concept
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That pushed architects and
engineers to a whole new level.
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♪
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There is no well-defined
style anymore.
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Anybody is coming up
with any shape and form.
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♪
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Sinn: All of a sudden,
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Architects started
trying to outdo themselves,
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And the trends
became quite unusual.
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Narrator: In 2014,
nearly 100 skyscrapers
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Were added to city skylines
all around the globe.
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Howeler: Everyone's curious what
these things will look like.
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What's the aspirational image
of an architecture?
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Buildings aren't necessarily
straight up and down anymore.
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They're twisting,
and they're turning,
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And they're doing
all sorts of things.
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Every tower is competing
with each other,
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Twisting and turning
and tapering,
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You know,
desperately trying to stand out.
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And really tall buildings
need to do more
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To not only stand out,
but also to fit in.
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♪
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Narrator: Even though
economies across the world
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Were crumbling due to
the global financial crisis,
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The middle east
diverted disaster,
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And dubai survived in style.
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Its economy was shaken
but not stirred.
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♪
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Watts:
We were lost there in 2008,
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Juste before everything fell off
a financial cliff edge,
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And now it's into a different
phase of development
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And a different phase
of tall buildings.
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Narrator:
Its building industry set off
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On a new, more sensible course.
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The focus? Several
government-backed initiatives,
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Including improvements
to infrastructure.
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Morris: These disparate centers
are now getting joined together,
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And the key to that really
has been that the infrastructure
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Is now creating the links
between those centers,
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So it's becoming a proper city
in that regard.
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Wood: And is it a city
that has the same
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Piecemeal growth and walkability
that a city that's been around
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For 1,000 years,
like london, has? No.
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But it's been around
for 30 years,
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And that's starting to come.
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Narrator:
One extraordinary building,
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Momentarily delayed
by the financial crisis,
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Was the 1,005-foot-tall
cayan tower,
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Located on dubai marina.
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Designed by
architectural firm
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Skidmore, owings & merrill,
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It's the world's tallest tower,
with a twist.
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Sinn: It's one of the most
dramatic buildings in dubai,
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And it goes through a 90-degree
rotation of the floor plan,
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From the bottom of the building
to the top of the building.
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I call that extreme engineering.
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Baker: I remember
in one of our earlier schemes,
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We had, like,
the top and the bottom
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And kind of straight lines,
and I was looking at it,
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And it became clear
that every floor was different.
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And the thought was,
"oh, that'll drive
the rental agent nuts."
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So then we went on a mission
to figure out,
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How can we make
every floor identical?
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And so we came up
with a system that does that.
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The building wants to
literally try to screw itself
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And become straight again.
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So you're not only counteracting
wind and earthquake
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And other environmental forces,
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You actually have to support,
in a very contorted manner,
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The gravity loads, the actual
weight of the building.
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So we combined
a very old system,
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Which is a tubular system,
for the outside,
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With a very stiff core.
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And it's an elegant solution,
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But in another way,
it's a brute-force solution.
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And, then,
the perimeter framing was...
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That you'd pick up
and then rotate 1.3 degrees,
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For the next floor,
pick up, rotate 1.3 degrees,
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So that every floor
was the same.
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Sinn: You know, I like
to tell people that, yes,
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We innovate
on groundbreaking structures,
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But we also try to do things
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That have been done before
and just reorganize them.
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♪
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If there's one place that,
as an engineer and an architect,
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And you want to get your
design built, it's dubai.
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They have the resources,
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They have the go-to ability
to get it done,
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And they move quickly
from point "a" to point "b."
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So for them,
it's pride of their country,
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Pride of their city,
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And the financial aspects
work for them.
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Narrator: While innovative
exterior designs
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Are certainly a selling point,
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The features
inside of the buildings
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And how they affect
their occupants
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Are vital to creating
a successful structure.
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♪
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Naz: Recent studies
done by scientists
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Show that happiness
is very relative,
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That 50% of our perception of
happiness depends on our genes,
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40% is how our brain
perceives our environment,
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And 10% is on our circumstances.
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So, as architects and engineers,
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Our biggest achievement
is to go to that 40%
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Where the brain perceives
our environment.
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Campbell: And that's why
you're paying for architects
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To design buildings
which are interesting
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And change the mood
of the people inside them.
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Foster:
That will lead to forms,
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To shapes of buildings
which are different,
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But they're responding,
they're being interpreted,
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To a real-life need.
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[ indistinct conversations ]
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Narrator: One city
that's already steps ahead
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In ensuring the health and
well-being of its residents
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Is sydney.
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Set on the world's
most exquisite natural harbor,
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With a near-perfect climate,
sydney is consistently ranked
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Among the top 10 most livable
cities on the planet.
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♪
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Oldfield:
In the city of sydney, there's
a unique piece of legislation
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That means that
any new major building
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Needs to go through a -- what's
called a design competition,
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Where architects
from around the world
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Compete to produce
the best design.
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And you're starting to see some
really interesting, evocative,
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And sustainable buildings
emerging on the cityscape.
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Narrator: One of the first
buildings to emerge
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From this initiative
was one central park,
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A two-tower complex
by foster and partners.
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Green is living on
the facades of the building,
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And it has this kaleidoscope
which reflects sunlight,
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You know, down into
the public spaces below.
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Do you know what's happening
in the faith of islam,
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Christianity, and judaism?
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So, in all of those
three religions,
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They believe heaven is a place
almost like a garden,
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A place where human and nature
can thrive together.
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♪
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So we have to kind of
go back to there to understand
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Holistically from the thing
we see, from the air we breathe,
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And from the sounds we hear,
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How we incorporate
more of the nature
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Back to our urban environment,
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To create this habitat
for humans in the future.
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♪
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Malott: These examples,
they get encouraged.
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The benchmarks are there.
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You know, there's proof
that it can be done,
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And I would say at least
the clients I'm working with
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Are much more receptive
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To doing, you know, these
more sort of daring designs.
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♪
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Narrator: Building to the sky is
not a 20th-century innovation.
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The egyptian pharaohs did it
on a monumental scale.
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The maya in central america
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Are known for
their intricate designs.
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And right through asia,
pagodas continue to represent
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The cosmic link
between heaven and earth.
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Oldfield: As far back as, you
know, thousands of years b.C.,
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With their kind of pyramids,
we've always wanted to be higher
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And more powerful
than our rivals.
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Campbell: You could think of
the medieval cathedral
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As a symbol of power
of the catholic church.
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It's also, of course,
a symbol of pride.
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It's a pride of the town, city
paying for this enormous edifice
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To show that their town
was better than any other.
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You've got things like towers
in renaissance bologna...
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Oldfield: Where different
families would build
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A kind of taller tower
to demonstrate their wealth.
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It's was all about
economic power --
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Whether it was the church,
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Or whether it was those
families, or the lords.
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Oldfield: And today,
it's more about capitalism
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And displaying
the power of wealth
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And the iconography of a country
or a city to a global audience,
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Where people are proud to show
how important their city is --
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Because it's got skyscrapers,
because it's got a big skyline.
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Narrator: And one city
in particular set the bar high
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With the use of
a new building material
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To create one of the most
iconic structures of all time.
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♪
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♪
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Narrator:
Since their earliest days,
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Skyscrapers have been
a sure way for cities
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00:10:10,510 --> 00:10:14,980
To show the rest of the world
just what they've got.
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00:10:14,982 --> 00:10:17,949
And in the late 1880's,
one city that was eager
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00:10:17,951 --> 00:10:22,087
To demonstrate its
industrial importance was paris,
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00:10:22,089 --> 00:10:25,557
Proud host of
the 1889 world fair.
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♪
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To showcase their expertise,
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00:10:29,262 --> 00:10:31,129
Engineers worked
with a new material
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00:10:31,131 --> 00:10:36,034
That was lighter and cheaper
than stone -- iron.
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The result was none other
than the eiffel tower.
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00:10:39,873 --> 00:10:41,706
Oldfield:
The eiffel tower was really
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00:10:41,708 --> 00:10:46,077
The kind of precursor
to the super-tall skyscraper,
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Because it demonstrated to us
just what kind of heights
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00:10:49,650 --> 00:10:54,886
Were achievable with
a lightweight metal frame.
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Eiffel was a contractor.
He built things.
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He had a firm that was
the best builder in iron,
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00:11:01,428 --> 00:11:04,896
So he was at the cutting edge
of iron technology.
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00:11:04,898 --> 00:11:08,199
The eiffel tower actually wasn't
designed by eiffel at all.
225
00:11:08,201 --> 00:11:11,169
It was designed by two engineers
working in his firm.
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They invited an architect in
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00:11:12,706 --> 00:11:15,040
Who took their
rather boring design
228
00:11:15,042 --> 00:11:17,075
And added
a rather beautiful arch.
229
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And eiffel was so taken
by this design
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That he bought the patent
off of them.
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Structurally, it was important
because it visualized
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00:11:26,553 --> 00:11:30,221
The technical challenge
to go vertically.
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It symbolizes
the vertical cantilever.
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00:11:32,292 --> 00:11:36,027
The shape of the tower, that
enlarges itself on the ground,
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00:11:36,029 --> 00:11:38,029
Tells that,
if you want to build high,
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00:11:38,031 --> 00:11:41,566
You have to anchor
the building to the ground.
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Man:
You look around the bottom,
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There's the name of all
the sort of famous men.
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00:11:44,971 --> 00:11:46,871
They're all mathematicians
and engineers,
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00:11:46,873 --> 00:11:48,740
And there's a celebration
of engineering
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00:11:48,742 --> 00:11:50,909
That was going on at the time.
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00:11:50,911 --> 00:11:53,111
♪
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Narrator: 12,000 pieces
of prefabricated wrought iron
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00:11:56,416 --> 00:11:58,116
And 7 million rivets
245
00:11:58,118 --> 00:12:00,752
Made up this
staggering structure.
246
00:12:00,754 --> 00:12:03,421
The patience that went
into engineering the tower
247
00:12:03,423 --> 00:12:04,923
Was incredible,
248
00:12:04,925 --> 00:12:09,728
Especially considering
its intended life span.
249
00:12:09,730 --> 00:12:11,463
It was a temporary structure.
250
00:12:11,465 --> 00:12:13,598
When it was first unveiled,
251
00:12:13,600 --> 00:12:15,633
A lot of parisians
didn't like it.
252
00:12:15,635 --> 00:12:18,837
They thought it was ugly.
It was too sort of techno.
253
00:12:18,839 --> 00:12:20,004
It looked like a machine.
254
00:12:20,006 --> 00:12:23,341
It didn't look like paris
as they knew it.
255
00:12:23,343 --> 00:12:26,544
Man: But then it became so
loved, it's still there today,
256
00:12:26,546 --> 00:12:29,714
And, of course,
become the symbol of paris.
257
00:12:29,716 --> 00:12:37,555
♪
258
00:12:37,557 --> 00:12:39,858
Narrator: The blending
of old and new buildings
259
00:12:39,860 --> 00:12:41,526
Isn't always easy,
260
00:12:41,528 --> 00:12:43,962
And the task has proven
to be a challenge
261
00:12:43,964 --> 00:12:48,933
In a city with as much history
as london.
262
00:12:48,935 --> 00:12:51,803
Foster:
London has always been dense,
263
00:12:51,805 --> 00:12:53,705
Even when the buildings
have been low.
264
00:12:53,707 --> 00:12:57,175
The streets are narrow.
It's still dense.
265
00:12:57,177 --> 00:13:01,746
But to achieve that density
means growing vertically.
266
00:13:01,748 --> 00:13:03,047
♪
267
00:13:03,049 --> 00:13:04,883
Narrator: And when
new structures begin
268
00:13:04,885 --> 00:13:06,785
To pop up in older cities,
269
00:13:06,787 --> 00:13:10,355
They're often given a nickname,
usually a sign that the building
270
00:13:10,357 --> 00:13:14,025
Has gained
the public's approval.
271
00:13:14,027 --> 00:13:15,660
Oldfield:
The leadenhall tower,
272
00:13:15,662 --> 00:13:18,329
Or the cheesegrater,
to give it its moniker,
273
00:13:18,331 --> 00:13:23,001
Is a tall building in the center
of london that leans back,
274
00:13:23,003 --> 00:13:26,671
And it does so
to get out of the way
275
00:13:26,673 --> 00:13:30,375
Essentially of the silhouette
of st. Paul's cathedral,
276
00:13:30,377 --> 00:13:34,212
Much like many tall buildings
in london that duck and dive
277
00:13:34,214 --> 00:13:38,383
To kind of get out of the way
of protected viewing corridors.
278
00:13:38,385 --> 00:13:41,753
♪
279
00:13:41,755 --> 00:13:46,191
Narrator: At 736 feet tall,
with its angled facade,
280
00:13:46,193 --> 00:13:50,862
Articulated steel frame,
and 70,000 panes of glass,
281
00:13:50,864 --> 00:13:53,965
The cheesegrater became
the tallest building in london
282
00:13:53,967 --> 00:13:57,035
Upon its completion in 2014.
283
00:13:57,037 --> 00:14:00,705
♪
284
00:14:00,707 --> 00:14:04,042
It was engineered more like
a bridge than a building,
285
00:14:04,044 --> 00:14:07,078
Due largely to its location.
286
00:14:07,080 --> 00:14:10,515
Due to a very constrained site
in the center of london
287
00:14:10,517 --> 00:14:13,985
With not much space
for loading and unloading,
288
00:14:13,987 --> 00:14:16,654
Much of the building, over 80%,
289
00:14:16,656 --> 00:14:19,958
Was built off-site
and prefabricated.
290
00:14:19,960 --> 00:14:22,794
What that meant is that
construction was quicker,
291
00:14:22,796 --> 00:14:24,295
Construction was safer,
292
00:14:24,297 --> 00:14:28,099
And the building was
kind of bolted together.
293
00:14:28,101 --> 00:14:29,801
Narrator: The top of
the building was constructed
294
00:14:29,803 --> 00:14:31,636
As a detached tower,
295
00:14:31,638 --> 00:14:34,672
Eliminating the need
for extra fire protection
296
00:14:34,674 --> 00:14:36,307
And allowing its steel bones
297
00:14:36,309 --> 00:14:39,978
To become as much of a feature
inside the building as out.
298
00:14:39,980 --> 00:14:42,847
♪
299
00:14:42,849 --> 00:14:45,183
Oldfield: The frame, the
structure, it's not in the way.
300
00:14:45,185 --> 00:14:47,552
It's exposed on the outside.
301
00:14:47,554 --> 00:14:50,889
The north-facing core is glazed
302
00:14:50,891 --> 00:14:54,091
And allows us to see the
elevators moving up and down.
303
00:14:54,093 --> 00:14:56,694
Provides are a degree
of readability, or legibility,
304
00:14:56,696 --> 00:14:59,597
To the city.
305
00:14:59,599 --> 00:15:02,834
Watts: It's fantastic to
look at. It's quite staggering.
306
00:15:02,836 --> 00:15:06,004
But, also, it's fairly easy to
walk around, and it's inviting.
307
00:15:06,006 --> 00:15:07,872
You know, tall buildings
need to be inviting
308
00:15:07,874 --> 00:15:10,942
Because their scale is
not conducive to pedestrians,
309
00:15:10,944 --> 00:15:12,610
Therefore anything
that encourages you
310
00:15:12,612 --> 00:15:14,579
To sort of interact with them
is a good thing,
311
00:15:14,581 --> 00:15:16,481
And it's the responsibility
of the designers
312
00:15:16,483 --> 00:15:18,716
To try and do that.
313
00:15:18,718 --> 00:15:20,852
Narrator:
While some buildings in london
314
00:15:20,854 --> 00:15:23,521
Immediately fit in
with their surroundings,
315
00:15:23,523 --> 00:15:27,592
Others took a while
to gain the public's trust.
316
00:15:27,594 --> 00:15:30,995
♪
317
00:15:38,438 --> 00:15:42,273
♪
318
00:15:42,275 --> 00:15:44,275
Narrator:
In the 21st century,
319
00:15:44,277 --> 00:15:46,210
Many skyscrapers in the u.K.
320
00:15:46,212 --> 00:15:48,913
Dared to defy
the buildings of the past
321
00:15:48,915 --> 00:15:52,650
To achieve
new architectural firsts.
322
00:15:52,652 --> 00:15:55,753
One thoroughly modern
commercial building in london
323
00:15:55,755 --> 00:15:59,724
Is the shard, currently
the city's tallest tower.
324
00:15:59,726 --> 00:16:01,859
Despite reaching
impressive heights
325
00:16:01,861 --> 00:16:07,465
And delivering incredible views,
many were quick to judge.
326
00:16:07,467 --> 00:16:10,101
The shard was described
by english heritage
327
00:16:10,103 --> 00:16:12,203
As a stake through
the heart of london.
328
00:16:12,205 --> 00:16:14,706
I am biased, I am emotionally
attached to that building,
329
00:16:14,708 --> 00:16:17,308
Having spent 10 years
of my career on it.
330
00:16:17,310 --> 00:16:19,077
♪
331
00:16:19,079 --> 00:16:21,813
Narrator: Not many buildings
split the public's opinion
332
00:16:21,815 --> 00:16:26,250
Quite like renzo piano's
neo-futuristic masterpiece.
333
00:16:26,252 --> 00:16:28,886
This 1,016-foot skyscraper
334
00:16:28,888 --> 00:16:32,156
Has a high-performance
triple-skin facade,
335
00:16:32,158 --> 00:16:35,760
28 floors of office space,
several restaurants,
336
00:16:35,762 --> 00:16:38,896
A luxury hotel
occupying 18 floors,
337
00:16:38,898 --> 00:16:41,165
And exclusive residences.
338
00:16:41,167 --> 00:16:44,836
♪
339
00:16:44,838 --> 00:16:47,638
And it still is the tallest
building in western europe,
340
00:16:47,640 --> 00:16:50,274
So people naturally assume,
because it's the tallest,
341
00:16:50,276 --> 00:16:52,076
Therefore
it's the most expensive,
342
00:16:52,078 --> 00:16:54,712
But actually,
it isn't, and it wasn't.
343
00:16:54,714 --> 00:16:57,582
And there are some
fundamental reasons for that.
344
00:16:57,584 --> 00:16:59,851
One is that its tapering form
345
00:16:59,853 --> 00:17:02,286
Makes it structurally
a very efficient building.
346
00:17:02,288 --> 00:17:05,256
It's got a massive
central concrete core,
347
00:17:05,258 --> 00:17:07,959
Which means that its steel
frame around that core
348
00:17:07,961 --> 00:17:10,328
Is relatively straightforward.
349
00:17:10,330 --> 00:17:12,930
It's got a high degree
of repetition in its facade.
350
00:17:12,932 --> 00:17:15,199
It's something like
85% repeated,
351
00:17:15,201 --> 00:17:19,604
So that the unit cost of those
external walls comes right down.
352
00:17:19,606 --> 00:17:22,507
It's got a pretty tight
floor-to-floor dimension
353
00:17:22,509 --> 00:17:25,209
So you can get more space
into that envelope.
354
00:17:25,211 --> 00:17:26,677
You know, it really works
355
00:17:26,679 --> 00:17:30,248
Its economist's scale
really well.
356
00:17:30,250 --> 00:17:32,283
Narrator:
95% of the materials
357
00:17:32,285 --> 00:17:35,053
Used in the construction
were recycled,
358
00:17:35,055 --> 00:17:38,256
As was 20%
of the building's steelwork.
359
00:17:38,258 --> 00:17:40,391
The entire ground floor
was designed
360
00:17:40,393 --> 00:17:43,161
To involve and include
the public.
361
00:17:43,163 --> 00:17:45,096
♪
362
00:17:45,098 --> 00:17:47,298
Ascher: I think the shard
is a particularly beautiful
363
00:17:47,300 --> 00:17:49,400
Piece of architecture,
but when it was going up,
364
00:17:49,402 --> 00:17:52,203
You would think
the world was ending.
365
00:17:52,205 --> 00:17:57,341
♪
366
00:17:57,343 --> 00:18:02,346
People begin to recognize
and assimilate
367
00:18:02,348 --> 00:18:05,416
And love particular skyscrapers.
368
00:18:05,418 --> 00:18:07,251
We all loathe them. I mean...
369
00:18:07,253 --> 00:18:09,754
But they recognize...
370
00:18:09,756 --> 00:18:12,056
And that is why you make them
strange shapes
371
00:18:12,058 --> 00:18:16,194
Like the gherkin or the shard
or the cheesegrater --
372
00:18:16,196 --> 00:18:20,198
These skyscrapers which get
affectionate nicknames,
373
00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:24,702
To the point that developers
now nickname their own buildings
374
00:18:24,704 --> 00:18:27,338
When they put them in
for planning application
375
00:18:27,340 --> 00:18:29,874
In the hopes that the public
will call their building
376
00:18:29,876 --> 00:18:32,276
"the walkie talkie building."
377
00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:34,412
Narrator: But few
in the skyscraper business
378
00:18:34,414 --> 00:18:36,114
Appear to be
holding their breath
379
00:18:36,116 --> 00:18:38,149
Over the giant walkie talkie,
380
00:18:38,151 --> 00:18:41,486
The commercial giant
sending all the wrong messages
381
00:18:41,488 --> 00:18:44,355
From its location
on fenchurch street.
382
00:18:44,357 --> 00:18:48,326
Watts:
A very controversial building
and one that divides opinion
383
00:18:48,328 --> 00:18:51,329
But has a very sound
commercial basis
384
00:18:51,331 --> 00:18:54,465
So it creates more floor space
at the top of the building,
385
00:18:54,467 --> 00:18:56,167
Which is actually
the more valuable space
386
00:18:56,169 --> 00:18:57,768
Because that's where
you get the views
387
00:18:57,770 --> 00:19:01,239
And that's where
people pay extra rent.
388
00:19:01,241 --> 00:19:04,976
Narrator:
Shortly after construction
was completed in 2004,
389
00:19:04,978 --> 00:19:09,313
Locals began referring
to the 36-story walkie talkie
390
00:19:09,315 --> 00:19:11,315
As "the walkie-scorchie."
391
00:19:11,317 --> 00:19:12,750
Marfella: Because of
the shape of the tower,
392
00:19:12,752 --> 00:19:15,019
It was acting like a lens
393
00:19:15,021 --> 00:19:16,954
That was collecting
all the solar energy
394
00:19:16,956 --> 00:19:19,123
And then projecting it
to one point only,
395
00:19:19,125 --> 00:19:21,893
And that one point only
happened to be a car park,
396
00:19:21,895 --> 00:19:23,794
Where some cars were having
397
00:19:23,796 --> 00:19:27,064
Their fenders melting,
et cetera.
398
00:19:27,066 --> 00:19:29,367
♪
399
00:19:29,369 --> 00:19:32,837
So, the problem
of tall buildings is the fact
400
00:19:32,839 --> 00:19:35,373
That they have to be
self-contained.
401
00:19:35,375 --> 00:19:37,542
It has to work
with its own rules.
402
00:19:37,544 --> 00:19:40,978
But they don't always try
to understand
403
00:19:40,980 --> 00:19:42,780
How they impact
their environments,
404
00:19:42,782 --> 00:19:44,782
Not only in the way
they hit the ground,
405
00:19:44,784 --> 00:19:46,484
But in the way they also reflect
406
00:19:46,486 --> 00:19:49,086
The environment
back to the city.
407
00:19:49,088 --> 00:19:54,158
♪
408
00:19:54,160 --> 00:19:56,494
Narrator: The recent evolution
of london's skyline
409
00:19:56,496 --> 00:19:59,463
Is still taking locals
by surprise.
410
00:19:59,465 --> 00:20:01,465
But on the other side
of the atlantic,
411
00:20:01,467 --> 00:20:02,967
New yorkers are accustomed
412
00:20:02,969 --> 00:20:06,137
To the increasing number
of skyscrapers.
413
00:20:06,139 --> 00:20:07,805
[ siren wailing, horns honking ]
414
00:20:07,807 --> 00:20:09,707
After all, skyscrapers
415
00:20:09,709 --> 00:20:13,010
Have been a manhattan staple
for over a century.
416
00:20:13,012 --> 00:20:18,449
♪
417
00:20:18,451 --> 00:20:21,352
Nonetheless, not all new yorkers
are thrilled
418
00:20:21,354 --> 00:20:24,956
To see a new building
pop up in the concrete jungle.
419
00:20:24,958 --> 00:20:30,494
♪
420
00:20:30,496 --> 00:20:34,932
New york has invented
an entirely new typology
421
00:20:34,934 --> 00:20:36,867
In the history
of the skyscraper,
422
00:20:36,869 --> 00:20:42,106
And that's the super-slender,
ultra-luxury residential tower.
423
00:20:42,108 --> 00:20:44,508
Narrator: The best address
to impress in manhattan
424
00:20:44,510 --> 00:20:46,911
Is 432 park avenue.
425
00:20:46,913 --> 00:20:49,880
Nestled along the newly
dubbed billionaires' row,
426
00:20:49,882 --> 00:20:55,219
It's the tallest residential
tower in the western hemisphere.
427
00:20:55,221 --> 00:21:01,259
The pencil-thin structure soars
1,397 feet into the sky,
428
00:21:01,261 --> 00:21:02,593
And the price tag
429
00:21:02,595 --> 00:21:04,996
For the six-bedroom,
seven-bathroom penthouse
430
00:21:04,998 --> 00:21:07,732
Is as eye-watering
as the view --
431
00:21:07,734 --> 00:21:10,668
At a cool $95 million.
432
00:21:10,670 --> 00:21:12,970
♪
433
00:21:12,972 --> 00:21:17,675
One57 was significantly shorter,
at 1,004 feet,
434
00:21:17,677 --> 00:21:19,910
But just as pricey.
435
00:21:19,912 --> 00:21:22,179
Nicknamed
the billionaires building,
436
00:21:22,181 --> 00:21:24,882
It's the first
of many towers of its kind
437
00:21:24,884 --> 00:21:26,417
Planned for 57th street.
438
00:21:26,419 --> 00:21:28,619
Ascher: You know, those tall
residential buildings
439
00:21:28,621 --> 00:21:30,855
Are in some senses
their own market.
440
00:21:30,857 --> 00:21:32,323
You couldn't afford to do that,
441
00:21:32,325 --> 00:21:33,724
And you wouldn't
want to do that,
442
00:21:33,726 --> 00:21:37,061
Unless you could sell that space
for a very, very high price.
443
00:21:37,063 --> 00:21:38,929
Barr: So developers,
what they've done is,
444
00:21:38,931 --> 00:21:41,632
They've created a series
of technologies that related to,
445
00:21:41,634 --> 00:21:43,968
For example,
constructing the stairwells,
446
00:21:43,970 --> 00:21:45,536
Making them a little thinner,
447
00:21:45,538 --> 00:21:48,472
And how they erect
the structure, the frame,
448
00:21:48,474 --> 00:21:50,975
And how they do
the wind bracing.
449
00:21:50,977 --> 00:21:52,710
♪
450
00:21:52,712 --> 00:21:54,745
Another set of innovations
include...
451
00:21:54,747 --> 00:21:58,449
Moving the plant and equipment
to the lower floors.
452
00:21:58,451 --> 00:22:00,818
So, this way,
even the first apartment
453
00:22:00,820 --> 00:22:03,954
Is guaranteed to get
a decent view,
454
00:22:03,956 --> 00:22:08,592
And you don't waste space
on the upper floor's housing
455
00:22:08,594 --> 00:22:10,494
With the plant and equipment.
456
00:22:10,496 --> 00:22:12,329
Ascher: Now, they've been
controversial for two reasons.
457
00:22:12,331 --> 00:22:13,831
One, because they cast a shadow,
458
00:22:13,833 --> 00:22:16,300
But they're also controversial
because typically the people
459
00:22:16,302 --> 00:22:19,470
Who live there may or may not
live there full-time.
460
00:22:19,472 --> 00:22:22,907
They may or may not feel
a part of the community.
461
00:22:22,909 --> 00:22:25,576
It goes away from the trend
462
00:22:25,578 --> 00:22:29,113
Of towers which open up
and towers which are engaging...
463
00:22:29,115 --> 00:22:34,051
To the ivory towers
of exclusivity.
464
00:22:34,053 --> 00:22:36,754
Oldfield: The city
is not just for the wealthy.
465
00:22:36,756 --> 00:22:39,323
It needs to be for everybody.
466
00:22:39,325 --> 00:22:41,659
And we have to make sure
467
00:22:41,661 --> 00:22:44,328
That the density
of our future housing
468
00:22:44,330 --> 00:22:46,497
Is inclusive and is available
469
00:22:46,499 --> 00:22:50,101
To a wide range
of socioeconomic backgrounds.
470
00:22:50,103 --> 00:22:52,770
Narrator: While certain
neighborhoods were once coveted
471
00:22:52,772 --> 00:22:55,539
For their easy access
to the heart of the city,
472
00:22:55,541 --> 00:22:58,342
Today, more and more new yorkers
are opting
473
00:22:58,344 --> 00:23:01,078
For more sustainable
and affordable living options
474
00:23:01,080 --> 00:23:03,614
On the outskirts of town.
475
00:23:03,616 --> 00:23:07,184
But in other regions with
rapidly growing populations,
476
00:23:07,186 --> 00:23:10,855
Moving out of the city
isn't always an option.
477
00:23:10,857 --> 00:23:13,924
♪
478
00:23:21,067 --> 00:23:24,869
♪
479
00:23:24,871 --> 00:23:27,338
Narrator: Building
for new york's sea of humanity
480
00:23:27,340 --> 00:23:29,073
Hasn't always been easy,
481
00:23:29,075 --> 00:23:31,842
Given the amount of people
that inhabit the city
482
00:23:31,844 --> 00:23:34,745
And the challenges
its had to endure.
483
00:23:34,747 --> 00:23:36,914
One of the city's
most trying times
484
00:23:36,916 --> 00:23:41,752
Came when the twin towers fell
on 9/11/2001.
485
00:23:41,754 --> 00:23:45,222
In the years that followed,
new projects were commissioned,
486
00:23:45,224 --> 00:23:49,126
Giving new york a chance
to triumph over their tragedy.
487
00:23:49,128 --> 00:23:52,363
Most notably,
one world trade center.
488
00:23:52,365 --> 00:23:53,697
It is, without doubt,
489
00:23:53,699 --> 00:23:56,033
The tallest building
in new york.
490
00:23:56,035 --> 00:23:59,603
After 9/11,
city life was changed forever.
491
00:23:59,605 --> 00:24:01,872
But even though
times were tough,
492
00:24:01,874 --> 00:24:04,842
New yorkers
were still able to adapt.
493
00:24:04,844 --> 00:24:08,813
Also able to adapt to their
surroundings are millennials,
494
00:24:08,815 --> 00:24:11,048
Who have recently been
trading in their apartments
495
00:24:11,050 --> 00:24:13,417
In the most coveted zip codes,
496
00:24:13,419 --> 00:24:16,220
Opting for spots
outside of the city
497
00:24:16,222 --> 00:24:18,689
That give them more bang
for their buck.
498
00:24:18,691 --> 00:24:20,958
Ascher:
If you ask these millennials
where they want to live now,
499
00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:22,827
They do not want
to live in manhattan.
500
00:24:22,829 --> 00:24:24,595
They're going out to, you know,
501
00:24:24,597 --> 00:24:26,330
The frontiers
of brooklyn and queens,
502
00:24:26,332 --> 00:24:28,799
And they want to live in a place
with more light and air.
503
00:24:28,801 --> 00:24:32,036
So it's a very different world
here in this city
504
00:24:32,038 --> 00:24:36,040
Where the skyscraper
was to some extent born.
505
00:24:36,042 --> 00:24:39,543
Narrator:
With many new yorkers opting
for life outside of the city,
506
00:24:39,545 --> 00:24:41,212
Leading architects and engineers
507
00:24:41,214 --> 00:24:43,981
Are shifting their focus
to china,
508
00:24:43,983 --> 00:24:46,817
Thanks to their
massive population boom.
509
00:24:46,819 --> 00:24:50,955
♪
510
00:24:50,957 --> 00:24:54,058
There's no question that
building iconic new skyscrapers
511
00:24:54,060 --> 00:24:57,261
On top of preexisting ones
is resourceful.
512
00:24:57,263 --> 00:25:00,097
Creativity and innovation
are limitless
513
00:25:00,099 --> 00:25:02,700
When working with
a virtually clean slate.
514
00:25:02,702 --> 00:25:05,069
And what architect
wouldn't want a hand
515
00:25:05,071 --> 00:25:08,506
In building whole cities
from scratch?
516
00:25:08,508 --> 00:25:12,776
Oldfield: China is having
a tall-building boom
517
00:25:12,778 --> 00:25:17,214
Which makes kind of the 1930's
american skyscraper boom
518
00:25:17,216 --> 00:25:18,949
Look real miniscule, really.
519
00:25:18,951 --> 00:25:21,519
If you look at the figures in
china, it's staggering, right?
520
00:25:21,521 --> 00:25:23,954
So they're talking
about the urban billion,
521
00:25:23,956 --> 00:25:26,123
So the fact that they need
to basically create
522
00:25:26,125 --> 00:25:30,160
1,000 cities
of a million people.
523
00:25:30,162 --> 00:25:31,729
Duncan:
Because the growth is so great,
524
00:25:31,731 --> 00:25:34,899
There's the need to create
brand-new cities --
525
00:25:34,901 --> 00:25:38,869
Explosion of population,
explosion of economies.
526
00:25:38,871 --> 00:25:43,040
♪
527
00:25:43,042 --> 00:25:46,510
Oldfield: We found that, you
know, china's used more concrete
528
00:25:46,512 --> 00:25:49,613
In two to three years recently
529
00:25:49,615 --> 00:25:53,317
Than america used
in the entire 20th century.
530
00:25:53,319 --> 00:25:57,821
So to support billions
of new urban dwellers,
531
00:25:57,823 --> 00:25:59,623
We need massive amounts
of infrastructure,
532
00:25:59,625 --> 00:26:01,825
Massive amounts of construction
533
00:26:01,827 --> 00:26:05,629
On a scale of like
we've never seen before.
534
00:26:05,631 --> 00:26:08,399
Malott: This next generation of
work that's being done in china
535
00:26:08,401 --> 00:26:10,868
I think is being
characterized by,
536
00:26:10,870 --> 00:26:14,738
You know, buildings which are
smarter and more sustainable,
537
00:26:14,740 --> 00:26:17,474
Which is the correct trajectory.
538
00:26:17,476 --> 00:26:20,611
Narrator: Setting a new
iconic tone for shanghai
539
00:26:20,613 --> 00:26:22,913
Is the tallest building
in asia --
540
00:26:22,915 --> 00:26:26,517
The 2,073-foot-tall
shanghai tower
541
00:26:26,519 --> 00:26:30,387
By tongji
architectural design.
542
00:26:30,389 --> 00:26:31,689
Oldfield:
The shanghai tower
543
00:26:31,691 --> 00:26:33,657
Is the second-tallest
building in the world,
544
00:26:33,659 --> 00:26:36,260
At 128 stories.
545
00:26:36,262 --> 00:26:37,895
But whereas it looks like
546
00:26:37,897 --> 00:26:41,098
One large curvilinear form
from the outside,
547
00:26:41,100 --> 00:26:43,233
When actually
the architects and engineers
548
00:26:43,235 --> 00:26:47,104
Worked together in the wind
tunnel to optimize that form,
549
00:26:47,106 --> 00:26:51,075
To minimize the amount of wind
pushing on the building.
550
00:26:51,077 --> 00:26:54,445
And in doing so, compared
to a rectilinear building,
551
00:26:54,447 --> 00:26:55,879
They managed to reduce
552
00:26:55,881 --> 00:26:57,448
The amount of wind load
on the building
553
00:26:57,450 --> 00:27:02,519
And therefore save 20,000 tons
of steel from the structure.
554
00:27:02,521 --> 00:27:04,455
Now, that has millions
and millions of dollars
555
00:27:04,457 --> 00:27:06,056
Of economic saving,
556
00:27:06,058 --> 00:27:09,560
But a huge embodied
carbon saving, as well.
557
00:27:09,562 --> 00:27:11,996
Poon: When we started working
on the shanghai tower,
558
00:27:11,998 --> 00:27:18,068
We were working with architects
with a community design in mind.
559
00:27:18,070 --> 00:27:22,806
So the thought is,
create common space in each zone
560
00:27:22,808 --> 00:27:24,875
That people can use.
561
00:27:24,877 --> 00:27:27,578
Oldfield: It's a series of nine
12-story villages
562
00:27:27,580 --> 00:27:31,782
Stacked on top of each other,
each with its own ground floor.
563
00:27:31,784 --> 00:27:34,051
Poon: The building itself
564
00:27:34,053 --> 00:27:36,954
Is like a wedding cake,
circular-shaped,
565
00:27:36,956 --> 00:27:40,224
But outside
is a triangular curtain wall
566
00:27:40,226 --> 00:27:43,127
Twisting,
ripping the tower...
567
00:27:43,129 --> 00:27:46,730
So the intersection between
the circular office space
568
00:27:46,732 --> 00:27:49,199
And the triangular
curtain-wall envelope
569
00:27:49,201 --> 00:27:51,902
Create triangular atrium space
570
00:27:51,904 --> 00:27:55,539
Almost 14, 15 stories tall
for a community.
571
00:27:55,541 --> 00:27:56,874
♪
572
00:27:56,876 --> 00:27:59,710
Narrator: Not only did it reach
an unprecedented height,
573
00:27:59,712 --> 00:28:01,111
The building set its sights
574
00:28:01,113 --> 00:28:04,581
On being the greenest skyscraper
in the world.
575
00:28:04,583 --> 00:28:06,316
♪
576
00:28:06,318 --> 00:28:08,052
Poon: This building
has a double skin.
577
00:28:08,054 --> 00:28:10,487
The circular office
space inside,
578
00:28:10,489 --> 00:28:14,058
Or the tenants space inside,
is internal skin.
579
00:28:14,060 --> 00:28:18,028
Outside, it was wrapped around
by another curtain wall skin,
580
00:28:18,030 --> 00:28:20,931
So you have a double insulation
for the building.
581
00:28:20,933 --> 00:28:24,702
And we can re-circulate the air
between each skin
582
00:28:24,704 --> 00:28:26,203
To make it more efficient.
583
00:28:26,205 --> 00:28:28,906
And, also, we have
a wind turbine at the rooftop
584
00:28:28,908 --> 00:28:32,109
To power the...Lighting
of the tower.
585
00:28:32,111 --> 00:28:34,678
♪
586
00:28:34,680 --> 00:28:37,614
Howeler:
I think what's interesting
about shanghai and pudong
587
00:28:37,616 --> 00:28:39,616
Is that there's
the jin mao building,
588
00:28:39,618 --> 00:28:41,919
But there's also the
shanghai world financial center,
589
00:28:41,921 --> 00:28:44,855
And then there's
the new shanghai tower, so...
590
00:28:44,857 --> 00:28:47,825
We can't read them
as singular statements anymore.
591
00:28:47,827 --> 00:28:51,462
They're starting to become sort
of skyline sort of components.
592
00:28:51,464 --> 00:28:54,364
And that's ultimately what makes
a city's super collective --
593
00:28:54,366 --> 00:28:55,933
It's a collective image.
594
00:28:55,935 --> 00:28:58,535
It's not a kind of
singular statement.
595
00:28:58,537 --> 00:29:01,438
Narrator: As the population
continues to grow
596
00:29:01,440 --> 00:29:04,608
And people's needs
are becoming more specific,
597
00:29:04,610 --> 00:29:06,143
Developers' main focus
598
00:29:06,145 --> 00:29:09,079
Has shifted from sheer height
to quality
599
00:29:09,081 --> 00:29:12,049
And accommodating
an increasing population
600
00:29:12,051 --> 00:29:15,385
That shows no signs of stopping.
601
00:29:15,387 --> 00:29:18,288
♪
602
00:29:25,064 --> 00:29:29,767
♪
603
00:29:29,769 --> 00:29:31,769
Narrator: Mega cities
are essentially defined
604
00:29:31,771 --> 00:29:33,237
By population.
605
00:29:33,239 --> 00:29:36,840
10 million inhabitants
warrants the status.
606
00:29:36,842 --> 00:29:39,543
Half a century ago,
there were only two mega cities
607
00:29:39,545 --> 00:29:43,814
In the world --
tokyo and new york city.
608
00:29:43,816 --> 00:29:47,151
By 2025, there will be 39,
609
00:29:47,153 --> 00:29:50,554
With more than half
located in asia.
610
00:29:50,556 --> 00:29:53,056
Urbanization is rampant
in china,
611
00:29:53,058 --> 00:29:54,491
With half a billion people
612
00:29:54,493 --> 00:29:56,860
Relocating from
the country to the city
613
00:29:56,862 --> 00:30:00,197
In a matter of decades.
614
00:30:00,199 --> 00:30:03,300
Morris: The new mega cities are
coming up, for example, in asia.
615
00:30:03,302 --> 00:30:05,469
There isn't that
kind of love affair,
616
00:30:05,471 --> 00:30:08,972
There isn't that
historical connection,
617
00:30:08,974 --> 00:30:13,343
Because these cities
are being built instantaneously.
618
00:30:13,345 --> 00:30:15,345
Brooker: There is no past
or no history quite often,
619
00:30:15,347 --> 00:30:17,548
Or it's been
completely swept away,
620
00:30:17,550 --> 00:30:19,650
Bringing new context in
that anticipates
621
00:30:19,652 --> 00:30:23,353
A great place for people
to live and be and work,
622
00:30:23,355 --> 00:30:26,924
50 to 100 to 200 years from now.
623
00:30:26,926 --> 00:30:28,659
Morris: What people are seeing,
what new generations
624
00:30:28,661 --> 00:30:30,394
And young generations
are seeing
625
00:30:30,396 --> 00:30:32,129
Is what they're used to anyway.
626
00:30:32,131 --> 00:30:34,164
So they're seeing new
contemporary architecture
627
00:30:34,166 --> 00:30:35,966
And new super-high-rise
architecture
628
00:30:35,968 --> 00:30:37,267
And embracing it day one.
629
00:30:37,269 --> 00:30:39,136
There's no conflict
between what they have before
630
00:30:39,138 --> 00:30:40,704
And what they have now,
631
00:30:40,706 --> 00:30:44,408
Because they don't know
what was before.
632
00:30:44,410 --> 00:30:47,377
Narrator:
In 1979, the pearl river delta
633
00:30:47,379 --> 00:30:49,613
Was substantially agricultural.
634
00:30:49,615 --> 00:30:52,249
♪
635
00:30:52,251 --> 00:30:55,219
Today, it is
a thriving urban region,
636
00:30:55,221 --> 00:30:58,856
And the city of guangzhou
lies in the heart of it all.
637
00:30:58,858 --> 00:31:00,824
Dating back to the ming dynasty,
638
00:31:00,826 --> 00:31:04,261
Guangzhou's old city district
has been transformed,
639
00:31:04,263 --> 00:31:08,165
With skyscrapers now lining
both banks of the river.
640
00:31:08,167 --> 00:31:10,601
Among them,
skidmore, owings & merrill's
641
00:31:10,603 --> 00:31:13,136
Extraordinary
pearl river tower.
642
00:31:13,138 --> 00:31:15,005
Baker: The design
of the pearl river tower
643
00:31:15,007 --> 00:31:18,208
Was to have the most
energy-efficient
644
00:31:18,210 --> 00:31:20,777
Tall building in the world.
645
00:31:20,779 --> 00:31:24,448
Its systems, mechanical systems
have very, very efficient ways
646
00:31:24,450 --> 00:31:26,617
Of dealing with
getting the energy around
647
00:31:26,619 --> 00:31:31,555
To the building
through water, blowing air.
648
00:31:31,557 --> 00:31:34,892
And, then, the building itself
has braces going up the sides
649
00:31:34,894 --> 00:31:38,629
To brace it against the wind
that's coming both directions.
650
00:31:38,631 --> 00:31:40,364
Narrator:
Engineering, innovation,
651
00:31:40,366 --> 00:31:41,999
And green technology define
652
00:31:42,001 --> 00:31:45,535
This neo-futuristic
71-story tower,
653
00:31:45,537 --> 00:31:47,604
Cleverly shaped
to channel the wind
654
00:31:47,606 --> 00:31:49,840
Into the building's
mechanical floors
655
00:31:49,842 --> 00:31:52,042
In order to generate energy.
656
00:31:52,044 --> 00:31:54,611
Baker:
The amount of energy that's lost
657
00:31:54,613 --> 00:31:57,948
From the original power plant
to the users, it's huge.
658
00:31:57,950 --> 00:32:00,317
If you can generate
your electricity local,
659
00:32:00,319 --> 00:32:02,286
You save a great deal.
660
00:32:02,288 --> 00:32:04,254
Narrator: The drive
to create more sustainable,
661
00:32:04,256 --> 00:32:07,224
Energy-efficient buildings
is clearly motivated
662
00:32:07,226 --> 00:32:10,527
By china's need to overcome
one of its most significant
663
00:32:10,529 --> 00:32:15,165
Environmental problems --
air pollution.
664
00:32:15,167 --> 00:32:17,601
Duncan: We hear about
pollution in beijing.
665
00:32:17,603 --> 00:32:23,907
The sky is nearly black
because of the pollution.
666
00:32:23,909 --> 00:32:25,943
But in the kind of guidelines
667
00:32:25,945 --> 00:32:28,478
That they're giving to us
as designers,
668
00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:31,915
They can be very aggressive
and very innovative,
669
00:32:31,917 --> 00:32:35,452
Really put pressure on us
to innovate.
670
00:32:35,454 --> 00:32:36,954
How can you use less energy,
671
00:32:36,956 --> 00:32:39,523
Or respect the ecologies
672
00:32:39,525 --> 00:32:43,193
In the cities
where you're working?
673
00:32:43,195 --> 00:32:45,429
Narrator:
A major concern in shenzhen,
674
00:32:45,431 --> 00:32:49,232
Another city within the vast
pearl river delta megatropolis,
675
00:32:49,234 --> 00:32:51,101
Is its dense population.
676
00:32:51,103 --> 00:32:54,204
Attracting more migrants
than any other city in china,
677
00:32:54,206 --> 00:32:57,407
It has become
the silicon valley of the east.
678
00:32:57,409 --> 00:32:59,509
Finance is big here, too,
679
00:32:59,511 --> 00:33:04,514
And its reflected in a very
literal way on the skyline.
680
00:33:04,516 --> 00:33:08,852
The standout skyscraper,
towering above the rest,
681
00:33:08,854 --> 00:33:10,721
Is the 115-story
682
00:33:10,723 --> 00:33:13,623
Ping an international
financial center.
683
00:33:13,625 --> 00:33:16,159
♪
684
00:33:16,161 --> 00:33:18,261
So, the challenge
with ping an was,
685
00:33:18,263 --> 00:33:21,131
How do we take something
which is so dense,
686
00:33:21,133 --> 00:33:25,135
So kind of heavy,
and so full of machines, right,
687
00:33:25,137 --> 00:33:26,436
And make it look light?
688
00:33:26,438 --> 00:33:28,839
So kind of like
as a design concept,
689
00:33:28,841 --> 00:33:32,109
Rather than starting
from the ground and pushing up,
690
00:33:32,111 --> 00:33:34,845
It was this, okay, we start
at the point in the sky
691
00:33:34,847 --> 00:33:37,881
Like I'm holding a handkerchief,
692
00:33:37,883 --> 00:33:41,051
And we just let it drape down
from that point,
693
00:33:41,053 --> 00:33:44,287
And then that gave rise
to the final form.
694
00:33:44,289 --> 00:33:48,225
♪
695
00:33:48,227 --> 00:33:52,896
And if you go to shenzhen,
you see the tower.
696
00:33:52,898 --> 00:33:55,599
Yes, it's very tall,
but it does feel light.
697
00:33:55,601 --> 00:33:58,535
It feels graceful.
698
00:33:58,537 --> 00:34:00,704
Narrator: As we inch closer
to the halfway point
699
00:34:00,706 --> 00:34:02,406
Of the 21st century,
700
00:34:02,408 --> 00:34:04,508
When two-thirds
of the global population
701
00:34:04,510 --> 00:34:07,177
Will likely be living
in urban environments,
702
00:34:07,179 --> 00:34:11,181
The rise of city skylines
around the world is inevitable.
703
00:34:11,183 --> 00:34:15,085
♪
704
00:34:15,087 --> 00:34:18,221
The only question hanging
over the industry is,
705
00:34:18,223 --> 00:34:22,292
How much higher
can we actually go?
706
00:34:22,294 --> 00:34:25,729
♪
707
00:34:33,038 --> 00:34:36,940
♪
708
00:34:36,942 --> 00:34:40,410
Narrator: As time goes on,
skyscrapers continue to evolve
709
00:34:40,412 --> 00:34:43,880
And dominate our urban skylines,
710
00:34:43,882 --> 00:34:47,317
And architects and engineers
have exceeded expectations
711
00:34:47,319 --> 00:34:50,754
With their progressive
and innovative creations.
712
00:34:50,756 --> 00:34:55,225
But there is no "I" in team.
It's a collective effort.
713
00:34:55,227 --> 00:34:58,962
Poon:
If you would give me a project
tomorrow for one-mile tall,
714
00:34:58,964 --> 00:35:02,632
We would work together
with the team with our solutions
715
00:35:02,634 --> 00:35:05,469
To give you
a one-mile-tall building.
716
00:35:05,471 --> 00:35:07,771
Ali: People are
always innovating.
717
00:35:07,773 --> 00:35:09,973
Engineers and scientists,
they're innovating.
718
00:35:09,975 --> 00:35:12,909
Marketers have visions,
you know?
719
00:35:12,911 --> 00:35:15,178
So I think
this is not going to stop.
720
00:35:15,180 --> 00:35:17,881
There's the future
of our buildings.
721
00:35:17,883 --> 00:35:20,617
Narrator: There's no doubt
we can build taller,
722
00:35:20,619 --> 00:35:25,856
So the more significant
ethical question is, should we?
723
00:35:25,858 --> 00:35:29,359
The only limit on how tall
we can go, really...
724
00:35:29,361 --> 00:35:31,061
Is this one.
725
00:35:31,063 --> 00:35:34,297
Who's gonna pay for it?
And why would you?
726
00:35:34,299 --> 00:35:35,966
Sinn: People are
starting to realize
727
00:35:35,968 --> 00:35:38,034
That living
in these tall buildings,
728
00:35:38,036 --> 00:35:40,337
There's something
about losing the aspect
729
00:35:40,339 --> 00:35:43,707
Of what's going on
at the ground plane.
730
00:35:43,709 --> 00:35:46,676
Lavery:
If you can imagine living
1,000 meters up in the air,
731
00:35:46,678 --> 00:35:49,212
You've got very little
physical connection,
732
00:35:49,214 --> 00:35:52,716
Or even mental connection,
with people on the ground.
733
00:35:52,718 --> 00:35:56,553
Sinn: Which is not so attractive
to a lot of people.
734
00:35:56,555 --> 00:36:01,191
So it's almost like you're
living in a separate world.
735
00:36:01,193 --> 00:36:03,360
Wood: So I would argue
that the tall building now
736
00:36:03,362 --> 00:36:07,063
Is more a social
and urban challenge.
737
00:36:07,065 --> 00:36:09,466
Narrator: There will still be
plenty of hurdles and high bars
738
00:36:09,468 --> 00:36:11,535
To vault over
for those responsible
739
00:36:11,537 --> 00:36:13,737
For tall-building design,
740
00:36:13,739 --> 00:36:16,473
Because every time
a glass ceiling shatters,
741
00:36:16,475 --> 00:36:18,808
A new prototype emerges.
742
00:36:18,810 --> 00:36:20,277
The jeddah tower will be
743
00:36:20,279 --> 00:36:23,180
An architectural
engineering marvel.
744
00:36:23,182 --> 00:36:28,218
The first tall building to break
the one-kilometer-high barrier.
745
00:36:28,220 --> 00:36:31,621
But we still don't know
exactly how tall it will be.
746
00:36:31,623 --> 00:36:35,625
That's kept under wraps
to make sure no competing towers
747
00:36:35,627 --> 00:36:37,661
Try and break its record.
748
00:36:37,663 --> 00:36:40,363
♪
749
00:36:40,365 --> 00:36:42,065
Narrator:
This super-tall skyscraper,
750
00:36:42,067 --> 00:36:45,202
Symbolizing saudi arabia's
great wealth and power,
751
00:36:45,204 --> 00:36:49,406
Was commissioned by billionaire
prince al-waleed bin talal,
752
00:36:49,408 --> 00:36:52,242
Then the richest man
in the middle east.
753
00:36:52,244 --> 00:36:54,778
♪
754
00:36:54,780 --> 00:36:57,314
Sinn: We've been working on it
since 2010,
755
00:36:57,316 --> 00:37:00,183
And the motivations for that
are primarily
756
00:37:00,185 --> 00:37:04,554
Just a vision
of jeddah and the city.
757
00:37:04,556 --> 00:37:06,756
Narrator:
The 3,280-foot tower
758
00:37:06,758 --> 00:37:10,727
Is 167 floors
of cloud-piercing elegance,
759
00:37:10,729 --> 00:37:16,466
At least 568 feet taller
than the burj khalifa.
760
00:37:16,468 --> 00:37:18,535
Sinn: The foundations
were a big issue.
761
00:37:18,537 --> 00:37:20,370
It's built on,
I would call it --
762
00:37:20,372 --> 00:37:22,272
It's rock, but it's not bedrock.
763
00:37:22,274 --> 00:37:25,442
A load is gradually
taken into the ground.
764
00:37:25,444 --> 00:37:28,945
The foundation elements
are these board piles.
765
00:37:28,947 --> 00:37:31,248
They're 1.8 meters in diameter,
766
00:37:31,250 --> 00:37:34,884
And they reach 105 meters
in depth,
767
00:37:34,886 --> 00:37:39,122
So well over 300 feet
into the ground.
768
00:37:39,124 --> 00:37:40,590
The big challenge is the wind.
769
00:37:40,592 --> 00:37:42,492
So, the wind is pushing
on the building
770
00:37:42,494 --> 00:37:45,895
And causing a lateral
kind of instability,
771
00:37:45,897 --> 00:37:48,031
And so we need
to resist the wind.
772
00:37:48,033 --> 00:37:51,301
And the jeddah tower does that
in a number of different ways.
773
00:37:51,303 --> 00:37:54,671
Firstly, it has a y-shaped plan.
774
00:37:54,673 --> 00:37:56,806
And that y-shaped plan
means the building
775
00:37:56,808 --> 00:37:58,742
Can be quite broad at the base
776
00:37:58,744 --> 00:38:01,511
And quite narrow and pointy
at the top.
777
00:38:01,513 --> 00:38:06,016
And it means its slenderness
ratio is only 1 to 10.
778
00:38:06,018 --> 00:38:08,351
Here in the united states,
we like to call it
779
00:38:08,353 --> 00:38:11,721
A neil armstrong moment
for architects and engineers.
780
00:38:11,723 --> 00:38:14,257
It's unprecedented
in terms of scale,
781
00:38:14,259 --> 00:38:15,992
In terms of construction,
782
00:38:15,994 --> 00:38:20,597
And it took roughly
three years to design.
783
00:38:20,599 --> 00:38:26,269
And everything was focused
on trying to design a structure
784
00:38:26,271 --> 00:38:29,973
And architecture
that could be constructed.
785
00:38:29,975 --> 00:38:32,742
Narrator: And once this
"lunar" mission is accomplished,
786
00:38:32,744 --> 00:38:35,245
The greatest minds
in the skyscraper game
787
00:38:35,247 --> 00:38:37,847
Will likely set
their sights on mars,
788
00:38:37,849 --> 00:38:40,383
Inspiring a whole new generation
789
00:38:40,385 --> 00:38:43,553
To out-dream their
visionary predecessors.
790
00:38:43,555 --> 00:38:48,925
♪
791
00:38:48,927 --> 00:38:50,627
Baker:
I think a system like that
792
00:38:50,629 --> 00:38:53,430
Can go up to about
1.2 kilometers.
793
00:38:53,432 --> 00:38:57,100
And beyond that, I think you
need to invent another creature,
794
00:38:57,102 --> 00:38:59,069
A new animal.
795
00:38:59,071 --> 00:39:00,470
And I've got some ideas.
796
00:39:00,472 --> 00:39:03,340
So if anybody out there wants
to do, like, a mile-high,
797
00:39:03,342 --> 00:39:05,475
Just, you know, give me a ring.
798
00:39:05,477 --> 00:39:09,145
♪
799
00:39:09,147 --> 00:39:11,414
Narrator: It's difficult
to visualize what cities
800
00:39:11,416 --> 00:39:14,150
Might look 100 years from now.
801
00:39:14,152 --> 00:39:15,919
It's hard enough
imagining the form
802
00:39:15,921 --> 00:39:18,555
They will take
in a matter of decades.
803
00:39:18,557 --> 00:39:22,192
By 2050,
another 2.5 billion people
804
00:39:22,194 --> 00:39:24,994
Will have urbanized
their way of life.
805
00:39:24,996 --> 00:39:30,467
That largest human migration
in human history
806
00:39:30,469 --> 00:39:33,970
Is being engineered
by a set of values
807
00:39:33,972 --> 00:39:35,772
Which has embraced
the skyscraper
808
00:39:35,774 --> 00:39:38,408
As the image of the future.
809
00:39:38,410 --> 00:39:40,343
What we would want
is that skyscraper
810
00:39:40,345 --> 00:39:42,612
To be part of the urban realm,
811
00:39:42,614 --> 00:39:47,117
Part of the
master-planning of cities.
812
00:39:47,119 --> 00:39:49,586
Narrator: Potentially,
everything in our future
813
00:39:49,588 --> 00:39:52,956
Will shift from a horizontal
to a vertical plane.
814
00:39:52,958 --> 00:39:55,425
♪
815
00:39:55,427 --> 00:39:57,827
It's illuminating
to look back in time,
816
00:39:57,829 --> 00:39:59,896
Even as we push to the future,
817
00:39:59,898 --> 00:40:02,665
To reflect on the first
generation of skyscrapers
818
00:40:02,667 --> 00:40:05,668
And their legacy
in shaping our lives.
819
00:40:05,670 --> 00:40:09,806
From chicago to london,
from tokyo to dubai,
820
00:40:09,808 --> 00:40:13,443
Urbanization
is not slowing down,
821
00:40:13,445 --> 00:40:16,679
So the tall-building industry
continues to boom,
822
00:40:16,681 --> 00:40:19,282
Inspiring
even greater creativity
823
00:40:19,284 --> 00:40:21,985
And technological innovation.
824
00:40:21,987 --> 00:40:26,423
It seems the race to build
to the sky is far from over.
825
00:40:26,425 --> 00:40:29,025
For the
architecturally inclined,
826
00:40:29,027 --> 00:40:33,062
It's just getting started.
827
00:40:33,064 --> 00:40:35,331
Oldfield: I think
we'll see vertical farming,
828
00:40:35,333 --> 00:40:38,601
Where we're growing a proportion
of our food in the city,
829
00:40:38,603 --> 00:40:42,038
Reducing transportation miles
of food
830
00:40:42,040 --> 00:40:44,741
And reducing our reliance
831
00:40:44,743 --> 00:40:47,377
On agriculture
out at the peripheries.
832
00:40:47,379 --> 00:40:50,413
I think we will see
vertical hospitals.
833
00:40:50,415 --> 00:40:54,083
I think we will see
vertical cemeteries, even,
834
00:40:54,085 --> 00:40:57,120
As more and more of our life
and even our death
835
00:40:57,122 --> 00:41:00,790
Is embracing this vertical,
high-density realm.
836
00:41:00,792 --> 00:41:03,560
♪
837
00:41:03,562 --> 00:41:05,762
I see the future
of tall buildings
838
00:41:05,764 --> 00:41:08,431
As being clusters
of mixed-use towers,
839
00:41:08,433 --> 00:41:10,500
Where you may live in one tower
840
00:41:10,502 --> 00:41:13,336
But be able to commute
quite a short distance by foot,
841
00:41:13,338 --> 00:41:16,105
By bike, by public transport,
842
00:41:16,107 --> 00:41:21,878
To another mixed-use tower
in relatively close proximity.
843
00:41:21,880 --> 00:41:24,080
Naz: So, how do we design
844
00:41:24,082 --> 00:41:26,783
Our future cities,
with future skyscrapers,
845
00:41:26,785 --> 00:41:30,520
Where each skyscraper
is a microcosm of the city?
846
00:41:30,522 --> 00:41:32,789
And how do we connect that
847
00:41:32,791 --> 00:41:36,392
With the people around us,
our world around us?
848
00:41:36,394 --> 00:41:39,529
Foster: Tall buildings
will be harvesting energy.
849
00:41:39,531 --> 00:41:40,763
They will be green.
850
00:41:40,765 --> 00:41:43,633
They'll be offering
an incredible lifestyle.
851
00:41:43,635 --> 00:41:47,437
You will have the ultimate
privacy that you desire,
852
00:41:47,439 --> 00:41:49,873
The community
to be able to engage
853
00:41:49,875 --> 00:41:52,742
With other like-minded people,
to mingle.
854
00:41:52,744 --> 00:41:55,345
They will offer
a better lifestyle,
855
00:41:55,347 --> 00:41:58,848
Because our level of expectation
856
00:41:58,850 --> 00:42:02,151
Is rising all the time.
857
00:42:02,153 --> 00:42:06,623
Brooker: We need to treat land
as a very precious commodity.
858
00:42:06,625 --> 00:42:09,092
By watering the desert,
we've got to be very --
859
00:42:09,094 --> 00:42:10,827
Take care of it.
860
00:42:10,829 --> 00:42:12,662
'cause, when you have it,
develop it,
861
00:42:12,664 --> 00:42:15,498
And develop it
properly and densely.
862
00:42:15,500 --> 00:42:16,833
You need to build homes.
863
00:42:16,835 --> 00:42:18,735
You need to build places
for people to work,
864
00:42:18,737 --> 00:42:20,536
But you need
to concentrate those things
865
00:42:20,538 --> 00:42:22,338
Rather than
just let them sprawl.
866
00:42:22,340 --> 00:42:24,240
There is a global demand
for this,
867
00:42:24,242 --> 00:42:28,177
And we are recognizing
the age in which we live.