STANDING TALL

High rises and tall structures are ruling urban landscapes even as they make the case for urban growth, sustainability, and enhancing economic and cultural vitality in cities.

- Bindu Gopal Rao

It is projected that by 2030, 5 billion people will live in urban areas throughout the world (United Nations, 2001). Whereas 30 per cent of the world population lived in urban areas in 1950, the proportion of urban dwellers climbed to 47 per cent in 2000 and is expected to rise to 60 per cent by 2030. And this is exactly where high rises come to the forefront.

THE SPECIFICS

High-rise buildings generally refer to structures that are around 75 feet or more, with local building codes and organisations like the International Building Code (IBC) setting that benchmark. These buildings, commonly seen in cities, range from residential to commercial and can be anything from 10 to 40 stories tall. “Tall buildings are a broader category that includes skyscrapers and iconic structures that significantly impact a city’s skyline. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), any building over 150 meters (around 492 feet) qualifies as a tall building, with even taller structures classified as ‘supertall’. So, while all tall buildings are technically high-rises, not all high-rises are tall buildings. The distinction really depends on their height and architectural significance,” explains Sandeep Shikre, Founder + CEO, Sandeep Shikre Associates.

URBAN ARCHITECTURE