Historical Background It has always been a human aspiration to create taller and

taller structures. Ancient structure such as the Tower of Babel, Colossus of

Rhodes, the pyramids of Egypt, Mayan temples of Mexico, the Kutub Minar of
India and many more were infrequently used. The history of development of tall
building can broadly be classified into three periods.
1. The first period saw the erection of buildings such as the Reliance Building,
the Guaranty Building and the Carson Pirie Scott Department Store. Most of
these buildings were masonry wall bearing structures with thick and messy walls.
The horizontal and lateral loads of these structures were mainly resisted solely
by the loadbearing masonry walls. The 17-storey Manadnock Building for
example, was built with 2.13 m thick masonry walls at the ground level. The area
occupied by the walls of this building level is 15 % of the gross floor area. In
addition to reduced floor area, lighting and ventilations are major problems
associated with thick wall construction.
2. In the second period, with the evolution of steel structures, and sophisticated
services such as mechanical lifts and ventilation, limitations on the height of
buildings were removed. The demand for tall buildings increased in this period as
corporations recognized the advertising and publicity advantages of connecting
their names with imposing high-rise office buildings. It was also seen as sound
financial investment as it could generate high rental income. The race for
tallness commenced with a focus on Chicago and New York. Among the more
famous buildings evolved during the period were the Woolworth Building and the
Chrysler Building. The race ended with the construction of the Empire State
Building. The building was 381 meter in height.
3. Reinforced concrete established its own identity in the 1950s into the third
period that is now regarded as modernism in construction history. In contrast to
pervious periods, where architectural emphasis on z Reasons, z Functional facts,
and z Technological facts. This new generation of buildings evolved from World
Trade Centre (New York, 1972), Sears Tower (Chicago, 1974) to the recent Twin
Towers (Kuala Lumpur, 1996)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a

high-rise apartment complex?

1. Location. Highrises are often located in premium neighborhoods that

affording a single family or walk up unit would be extremely expensive.
Living in a high rise often gives you walking access to great restaurants,
public transportation and possibly your place of employment.
2. Door Guard. Most highrises will have a professional 24hr door person,
which is good security as well as ensuring you get packages that are delivered
to you.
3. Amenities. Highrises often have gyms, pools and public meeting rooms.
they may also have some retail, such as a restaurant or dry cleaner at their
ground floor. An elevator can make the unit more accessible for the disabled
or elderly.
4. Views. You can get a great view living in a highrise.
Cons:
1. Neighbors. In a highrise you commonly have neighbors above, below and
to both sides of you. Obviously this can be a positive, but it has the more
potential for trouble than when you neighbors are close, but a short distance
away, as in a single family or walk up building. Your neighbors could be loud
and partying all the time, or perhaps worse, they could complain every time
you have 2 friends over for a couple drinks and aren't dead silent. In a lower
rise, you typically have more control over the amount of interaction with
your neighbors.
2. Pets. Highrises often have restrictions on pets. Having a dog in a highrise
has the added complexity of having to make a fairly lengthy trip each time
the animal needs to do its business.
3. Outdoor space. Lowrise buildings will often have more functional outdoor
space, whether it is a patio, yard or deck. High rise units sometimes have
balconies, but these are often not very functional, because of the limited size,
high winds and limited views and access. high rises are also typically located
in "concrete jungle" areas with fewer public green spaces in the vicinity, so
this can be a concern.
4. Building restrictions. High rises often have restrictions on which utility
suppliers (including television and internet) you can use within their
building. This can be frustrating if you work for a telecom or have some
relationship with a different vendor and would prefer your own service.