1 00:00:01,702 --> 00:00:04,636 Narrator: Like giant exclamation marks, 2 00:00:04,638 --> 00:00:08,540 Skyscrapers punctuate the story of our urban development. 3 00:00:08,542 --> 00:00:10,075 People always want to reach. 4 00:00:10,077 --> 00:00:11,910 There's something heavenly about it. 5 00:00:11,912 --> 00:00:15,514 And people have wanted to race for height forever. 6 00:00:15,516 --> 00:00:17,850 Narrator: Developed by the pioneers of architecture 7 00:00:17,852 --> 00:00:20,052 In the late 19th century... 8 00:00:20,054 --> 00:00:21,720 Foster: They were, at the time, 9 00:00:21,722 --> 00:00:24,023 The equivalent of our going to the moon. 10 00:00:24,025 --> 00:00:27,159 Narrator: ...These magnificently designed tower giants 11 00:00:27,161 --> 00:00:31,096 Urbanized some of the greatest cities in the world. 12 00:00:31,098 --> 00:00:36,168 It's about defying gravity... And leaving a sign of humanity. 13 00:00:36,170 --> 00:00:40,005 Narrator: From chicago to london, from tokyo to dubai, 14 00:00:40,007 --> 00:00:43,642 Skyscrapers have and continue to define 15 00:00:43,644 --> 00:00:46,045 Our contemporary way of life. 16 00:00:46,047 --> 00:00:49,048 -- Captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com 17 00:00:49,050 --> 00:00:52,317 Captions paid for by discovery communications 18 00:00:52,319 --> 00:00:56,688 By 2010, the skyscraper bar was higher than ever before, 19 00:00:56,690 --> 00:00:59,925 And one building stood out from all the rest. 20 00:00:59,927 --> 00:01:04,797 Topping out at 2,717 feet, dubai's burj khalifa 21 00:01:04,799 --> 00:01:08,634 Did not bring an end to our obsession with skyscrapers. 22 00:01:08,636 --> 00:01:12,104 If anything, it provided a new proof of concept 23 00:01:12,106 --> 00:01:16,141 That pushed architects and engineers to a whole new level. 24 00:01:16,143 --> 00:01:19,611 ♪ 25 00:01:19,613 --> 00:01:22,648 There is no well-defined style anymore. 26 00:01:22,650 --> 00:01:25,751 Anybody is coming up with any shape and form. 27 00:01:25,753 --> 00:01:27,586 ♪ 28 00:01:27,588 --> 00:01:29,521 Sinn: All of a sudden, 29 00:01:29,523 --> 00:01:31,990 Architects started trying to outdo themselves, 30 00:01:31,992 --> 00:01:36,395 And the trends became quite unusual. 31 00:01:36,397 --> 00:01:40,099 Narrator: In 2014, nearly 100 skyscrapers 32 00:01:40,101 --> 00:01:44,603 Were added to city skylines all around the globe. 33 00:01:44,605 --> 00:01:46,939 Howeler: Everyone's curious what these things will look like. 34 00:01:46,941 --> 00:01:49,641 What's the aspirational image of an architecture? 35 00:01:49,643 --> 00:01:52,244 Buildings aren't necessarily straight up and down anymore. 36 00:01:52,246 --> 00:01:54,680 They're twisting, and they're turning, 37 00:01:54,682 --> 00:01:57,049 And they're doing all sorts of things. 38 00:01:57,051 --> 00:01:59,618 Every tower is competing with each other, 39 00:01:59,620 --> 00:02:02,521 Twisting and turning and tapering, 40 00:02:02,523 --> 00:02:05,691 You know, desperately trying to stand out. 41 00:02:05,693 --> 00:02:08,494 And really tall buildings need to do more 42 00:02:08,496 --> 00:02:11,897 To not only stand out, but also to fit in. 43 00:02:11,899 --> 00:02:13,765 ♪ 44 00:02:13,767 --> 00:02:16,135 Narrator: Even though economies across the world 45 00:02:16,137 --> 00:02:19,138 Were crumbling due to the global financial crisis, 46 00:02:19,140 --> 00:02:21,607 The middle east diverted disaster, 47 00:02:21,609 --> 00:02:24,409 And dubai survived in style. 48 00:02:24,411 --> 00:02:27,446 Its economy was shaken but not stirred. 49 00:02:27,448 --> 00:02:30,149 ♪ 50 00:02:30,151 --> 00:02:32,351 Watts: We were lost there in 2008, 51 00:02:32,353 --> 00:02:36,155 Juste before everything fell off a financial cliff edge, 52 00:02:36,157 --> 00:02:39,658 And now it's into a different phase of development 53 00:02:39,660 --> 00:02:42,928 And a different phase of tall buildings. 54 00:02:42,930 --> 00:02:44,296 Narrator: Its building industry set off 55 00:02:44,298 --> 00:02:46,598 On a new, more sensible course. 56 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:50,068 The focus? Several government-backed initiatives, 57 00:02:50,070 --> 00:02:54,473 Including improvements to infrastructure. 58 00:02:54,475 --> 00:02:58,277 Morris: These disparate centers are now getting joined together, 59 00:02:58,279 --> 00:03:01,146 And the key to that really has been that the infrastructure 60 00:03:01,148 --> 00:03:03,782 Is now creating the links between those centers, 61 00:03:03,784 --> 00:03:07,553 So it's becoming a proper city in that regard. 62 00:03:07,555 --> 00:03:09,955 Wood: And is it a city that has the same 63 00:03:09,957 --> 00:03:13,258 Piecemeal growth and walkability that a city that's been around 64 00:03:13,260 --> 00:03:15,327 For 1,000 years, like london, has? No. 65 00:03:15,329 --> 00:03:17,229 But it's been around for 30 years, 66 00:03:17,231 --> 00:03:20,199 And that's starting to come. 67 00:03:20,201 --> 00:03:22,267 Narrator: One extraordinary building, 68 00:03:22,269 --> 00:03:25,304 Momentarily delayed by the financial crisis, 69 00:03:25,306 --> 00:03:28,807 Was the 1,005-foot-tall cayan tower, 70 00:03:28,809 --> 00:03:32,177 Located on dubai marina. 71 00:03:32,179 --> 00:03:33,946 Designed by architectural firm 72 00:03:33,948 --> 00:03:35,681 Skidmore, owings & merrill, 73 00:03:35,683 --> 00:03:39,351 It's the world's tallest tower, with a twist. 74 00:03:39,353 --> 00:03:42,654 Sinn: It's one of the most dramatic buildings in dubai, 75 00:03:42,656 --> 00:03:47,125 And it goes through a 90-degree rotation of the floor plan, 76 00:03:47,127 --> 00:03:49,595 From the bottom of the building to the top of the building. 77 00:03:49,597 --> 00:03:51,363 I call that extreme engineering. 78 00:03:51,365 --> 00:03:54,299 Baker: I remember in one of our earlier schemes, 79 00:03:54,301 --> 00:03:56,001 We had, like, the top and the bottom 80 00:03:56,003 --> 00:03:58,337 And kind of straight lines, and I was looking at it, 81 00:03:58,339 --> 00:04:00,806 And it became clear that every floor was different. 82 00:04:00,808 --> 00:04:03,475 And the thought was, "oh, that'll drive the rental agent nuts." 83 00:04:03,477 --> 00:04:05,777 So then we went on a mission to figure out, 84 00:04:05,779 --> 00:04:07,746 How can we make every floor identical? 85 00:04:07,748 --> 00:04:11,250 And so we came up with a system that does that. 86 00:04:11,252 --> 00:04:14,086 The building wants to literally try to screw itself 87 00:04:14,088 --> 00:04:15,721 And become straight again. 88 00:04:15,723 --> 00:04:19,091 So you're not only counteracting wind and earthquake 89 00:04:19,093 --> 00:04:20,559 And other environmental forces, 90 00:04:20,561 --> 00:04:25,731 You actually have to support, in a very contorted manner, 91 00:04:25,733 --> 00:04:28,200 The gravity loads, the actual weight of the building. 92 00:04:28,202 --> 00:04:29,901 So we combined a very old system, 93 00:04:29,903 --> 00:04:32,838 Which is a tubular system, for the outside, 94 00:04:32,840 --> 00:04:35,007 With a very stiff core. 95 00:04:35,009 --> 00:04:37,042 And it's an elegant solution, 96 00:04:37,044 --> 00:04:39,678 But in another way, it's a brute-force solution. 97 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:44,082 And, then, the perimeter framing was... 98 00:04:44,084 --> 00:04:47,019 That you'd pick up and then rotate 1.3 degrees, 99 00:04:47,021 --> 00:04:49,655 For the next floor, pick up, rotate 1.3 degrees, 100 00:04:49,657 --> 00:04:53,792 So that every floor was the same. 101 00:04:53,794 --> 00:04:56,061 Sinn: You know, I like to tell people that, yes, 102 00:04:56,063 --> 00:04:58,463 We innovate on groundbreaking structures, 103 00:04:58,465 --> 00:05:01,266 But we also try to do things 104 00:05:01,268 --> 00:05:04,336 That have been done before and just reorganize them. 105 00:05:04,338 --> 00:05:06,972 ♪ 106 00:05:06,974 --> 00:05:09,374 If there's one place that, as an engineer and an architect, 107 00:05:09,376 --> 00:05:13,145 And you want to get your design built, it's dubai. 108 00:05:13,147 --> 00:05:14,913 They have the resources, 109 00:05:14,915 --> 00:05:18,483 They have the go-to ability to get it done, 110 00:05:18,485 --> 00:05:21,320 And they move quickly from point "a" to point "b." 111 00:05:21,322 --> 00:05:23,221 So for them, it's pride of their country, 112 00:05:23,223 --> 00:05:24,756 Pride of their city, 113 00:05:24,758 --> 00:05:27,392 And the financial aspects work for them. 114 00:05:27,394 --> 00:05:29,895 Narrator: While innovative exterior designs 115 00:05:29,897 --> 00:05:32,197 Are certainly a selling point, 116 00:05:32,199 --> 00:05:34,066 The features inside of the buildings 117 00:05:34,068 --> 00:05:35,901 And how they affect their occupants 118 00:05:35,903 --> 00:05:39,338 Are vital to creating a successful structure. 119 00:05:39,340 --> 00:05:41,540 ♪ 120 00:05:41,542 --> 00:05:43,709 Naz: Recent studies done by scientists 121 00:05:43,711 --> 00:05:46,745 Show that happiness is very relative, 122 00:05:46,747 --> 00:05:52,017 That 50% of our perception of happiness depends on our genes, 123 00:05:52,019 --> 00:05:55,253 40% is how our brain perceives our environment, 124 00:05:55,255 --> 00:05:58,657 And 10% is on our circumstances. 125 00:05:58,659 --> 00:06:00,659 So, as architects and engineers, 126 00:06:00,661 --> 00:06:03,962 Our biggest achievement is to go to that 40% 127 00:06:03,964 --> 00:06:06,498 Where the brain perceives our environment. 128 00:06:06,500 --> 00:06:08,967 Campbell: And that's why you're paying for architects 129 00:06:08,969 --> 00:06:11,236 To design buildings which are interesting 130 00:06:11,238 --> 00:06:14,272 And change the mood of the people inside them. 131 00:06:14,274 --> 00:06:16,742 Foster: That will lead to forms, 132 00:06:16,744 --> 00:06:19,778 To shapes of buildings which are different, 133 00:06:19,780 --> 00:06:22,047 But they're responding, they're being interpreted, 134 00:06:22,049 --> 00:06:24,015 To a real-life need. 135 00:06:24,017 --> 00:06:26,118 [ indistinct conversations ] 136 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:29,020 Narrator: One city that's already steps ahead 137 00:06:29,022 --> 00:06:31,990 In ensuring the health and well-being of its residents 138 00:06:31,992 --> 00:06:34,259 Is sydney. 139 00:06:34,261 --> 00:06:37,295 Set on the world's most exquisite natural harbor, 140 00:06:37,297 --> 00:06:40,999 With a near-perfect climate, sydney is consistently ranked 141 00:06:41,001 --> 00:06:44,736 Among the top 10 most livable cities on the planet. 142 00:06:44,738 --> 00:06:46,905 ♪ 143 00:06:46,907 --> 00:06:50,242 Oldfield: In the city of sydney, there's a unique piece of legislation 144 00:06:50,244 --> 00:06:53,545 That means that any new major building 145 00:06:53,547 --> 00:06:56,982 Needs to go through a -- what's called a design competition, 146 00:06:56,984 --> 00:06:58,683 Where architects from around the world 147 00:06:58,685 --> 00:07:01,720 Compete to produce the best design. 148 00:07:01,722 --> 00:07:05,590 And you're starting to see some really interesting, evocative, 149 00:07:05,592 --> 00:07:09,928 And sustainable buildings emerging on the cityscape. 150 00:07:09,930 --> 00:07:12,030 Narrator: One of the first buildings to emerge 151 00:07:12,032 --> 00:07:15,100 From this initiative was one central park, 152 00:07:15,102 --> 00:07:20,338 A two-tower complex by foster and partners. 153 00:07:20,340 --> 00:07:23,475 Green is living on the facades of the building, 154 00:07:23,477 --> 00:07:26,311 And it has this kaleidoscope which reflects sunlight, 155 00:07:26,313 --> 00:07:29,981 You know, down into the public spaces below. 156 00:07:29,983 --> 00:07:32,951 Do you know what's happening in the faith of islam, 157 00:07:32,953 --> 00:07:35,554 Christianity, and judaism? 158 00:07:35,556 --> 00:07:37,355 So, in all of those three religions, 159 00:07:37,357 --> 00:07:41,259 They believe heaven is a place almost like a garden, 160 00:07:41,261 --> 00:07:44,763 A place where human and nature can thrive together. 161 00:07:44,765 --> 00:07:47,566 ♪ 162 00:07:47,568 --> 00:07:51,036 So we have to kind of go back to there to understand 163 00:07:51,038 --> 00:07:56,575 Holistically from the thing we see, from the air we breathe, 164 00:07:56,577 --> 00:07:58,009 And from the sounds we hear, 165 00:07:58,011 --> 00:08:00,345 How we incorporate more of the nature 166 00:08:00,347 --> 00:08:02,314 Back to our urban environment, 167 00:08:02,316 --> 00:08:06,184 To create this habitat for humans in the future. 168 00:08:06,186 --> 00:08:09,754 ♪ 169 00:08:09,756 --> 00:08:12,157 Malott: These examples, they get encouraged. 170 00:08:12,159 --> 00:08:13,558 The benchmarks are there. 171 00:08:13,560 --> 00:08:16,361 You know, there's proof that it can be done, 172 00:08:16,363 --> 00:08:18,897 And I would say at least the clients I'm working with 173 00:08:18,899 --> 00:08:21,933 Are much more receptive 174 00:08:21,935 --> 00:08:26,137 To doing, you know, these more sort of daring designs. 175 00:08:26,139 --> 00:08:27,672 ♪ 176 00:08:27,674 --> 00:08:31,076 Narrator: Building to the sky is not a 20th-century innovation. 177 00:08:31,078 --> 00:08:34,613 The egyptian pharaohs did it on a monumental scale. 178 00:08:34,615 --> 00:08:36,248 The maya in central america 179 00:08:36,250 --> 00:08:38,917 Are known for their intricate designs. 180 00:08:38,919 --> 00:08:42,654 And right through asia, pagodas continue to represent 181 00:08:42,656 --> 00:08:47,592 The cosmic link between heaven and earth. 182 00:08:47,594 --> 00:08:49,895 Oldfield: As far back as, you know, thousands of years b.C., 183 00:08:49,897 --> 00:08:53,198 With their kind of pyramids, we've always wanted to be higher 184 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:55,734 And more powerful than our rivals. 185 00:08:55,736 --> 00:08:57,869 Campbell: You could think of the medieval cathedral 186 00:08:57,871 --> 00:09:01,873 As a symbol of power of the catholic church. 187 00:09:01,875 --> 00:09:04,042 It's also, of course, a symbol of pride. 188 00:09:04,044 --> 00:09:08,613 It's a pride of the town, city paying for this enormous edifice 189 00:09:08,615 --> 00:09:11,016 To show that their town was better than any other. 190 00:09:11,018 --> 00:09:13,451 You've got things like towers in renaissance bologna... 191 00:09:13,453 --> 00:09:15,520 Oldfield: Where different families would build 192 00:09:15,522 --> 00:09:17,756 A kind of taller tower to demonstrate their wealth. 193 00:09:17,758 --> 00:09:19,124 It's was all about economic power -- 194 00:09:19,126 --> 00:09:20,392 Whether it was the church, 195 00:09:20,394 --> 00:09:22,861 Or whether it was those families, or the lords. 196 00:09:22,863 --> 00:09:25,030 Oldfield: And today, it's more about capitalism 197 00:09:25,032 --> 00:09:28,567 And displaying the power of wealth 198 00:09:28,569 --> 00:09:33,772 And the iconography of a country or a city to a global audience, 199 00:09:33,774 --> 00:09:37,642 Where people are proud to show how important their city is -- 200 00:09:37,644 --> 00:09:41,913 Because it's got skyscrapers, because it's got a big skyline. 201 00:09:41,915 --> 00:09:45,083 Narrator: And one city in particular set the bar high 202 00:09:45,085 --> 00:09:47,385 With the use of a new building material 203 00:09:47,387 --> 00:09:51,456 To create one of the most iconic structures of all time. 204 00:09:51,458 --> 00:09:55,660 ♪ 205 00:10:02,803 --> 00:10:06,104 ♪ 206 00:10:06,106 --> 00:10:07,672 Narrator: Since their earliest days, 207 00:10:07,674 --> 00:10:10,508 Skyscrapers have been a sure way for cities 208 00:10:10,510 --> 00:10:14,980 To show the rest of the world just what they've got. 209 00:10:14,982 --> 00:10:17,949 And in the late 1880's, one city that was eager 210 00:10:17,951 --> 00:10:22,087 To demonstrate its industrial importance was paris, 211 00:10:22,089 --> 00:10:25,557 Proud host of the 1889 world fair. 212 00:10:25,559 --> 00:10:27,225 ♪ 213 00:10:27,227 --> 00:10:29,260 To showcase their expertise, 214 00:10:29,262 --> 00:10:31,129 Engineers worked with a new material 215 00:10:31,131 --> 00:10:36,034 That was lighter and cheaper than stone -- iron. 216 00:10:36,036 --> 00:10:39,871 The result was none other than the eiffel tower. 217 00:10:39,873 --> 00:10:41,706 Oldfield: The eiffel tower was really 218 00:10:41,708 --> 00:10:46,077 The kind of precursor to the super-tall skyscraper, 219 00:10:46,079 --> 00:10:49,648 Because it demonstrated to us just what kind of heights 220 00:10:49,650 --> 00:10:54,886 Were achievable with a lightweight metal frame. 221 00:10:54,888 --> 00:10:57,288 Eiffel was a contractor. He built things. 222 00:10:57,290 --> 00:11:01,426 He had a firm that was the best builder in iron, 223 00:11:01,428 --> 00:11:04,896 So he was at the cutting edge of iron technology. 224 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. 226 00:11:11,171 --> 00:11:12,704 They invited an architect in 227 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 00:11:17,077 --> 00:11:19,244 And eiffel was so taken by this design 230 00:11:19,246 --> 00:11:22,947 That he bought the patent off of them. 231 00:11:22,949 --> 00:11:26,551 Structurally, it was important because it visualized 232 00:11:26,553 --> 00:11:30,221 The technical challenge to go vertically. 233 00:11:30,223 --> 00:11:32,290 It symbolizes the vertical cantilever. 234 00:11:32,292 --> 00:11:36,027 The shape of the tower, that enlarges itself on the ground, 235 00:11:36,029 --> 00:11:38,029 Tells that, if you want to build high, 236 00:11:38,031 --> 00:11:41,566 You have to anchor the building to the ground. 237 00:11:41,568 --> 00:11:42,967 Man: You look around the bottom, 238 00:11:42,969 --> 00:11:44,969 There's the name of all the sort of famous men. 239 00:11:44,971 --> 00:11:46,871 They're all mathematicians and engineers, 240 00:11:46,873 --> 00:11:48,740 And there's a celebration of engineering 241 00:11:48,742 --> 00:11:50,909 That was going on at the time. 242 00:11:50,911 --> 00:11:53,111 ♪ 243 00:11:53,113 --> 00:11:56,414 Narrator: 12,000 pieces of prefabricated wrought iron 244 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.