The sky's the limit

Skyscrapers have been around for over one hundred and twenty years. The first of their kind was built in the US in the 1880s, and by 1890 the tallest building in the world, The World Building in New York, measured 309 feet. Since then we have steadily worked our way higher and higher in our attempts to reach the heavens; not unlike those who began the Tower of Babel. We all know how that cautionary tale ended.

Human kind isn’t easily daunted, however, and in 1998 the Petronus Towers in Kuala Lumpur were completed at a height of 1483 feet. For six years they held the record as the tallest manmade structures in the world. But, in 2004, Taipei finished its ambitious construction of theTaipei 101 Tower, which came in at a staggering 1667 feet and successfully clinched the title.

The design and construction of skyscrapers has evolved into an exact science. This is an essential development considering that the lives of all those people who live and work in skyscrapers depend on structural integrity and precise engineering. Structural engineers play a major role in ensuring that skyscrapers conform to international safety standards and are built to last. Some of their most important functions are to see that the building can withstand earthquakes, high winds, blizzards, and the occasional lightning bolt. They also need to make sure that the most durable materials are used, and that contingency measures are planned in the event of structural failure.

Structural engineers need to maintain good working relationships with civil engineers, surveyors, construction managers, and architects. Architects are responsible for planning, designing and managing the overall construction site. It’s imperative that architects have thorough knowledge of all building methods and stay abreast of the latest developments. This is necessary so that they can advise the owners of the site about possible design difficulties and help them to reach a compromise between what they want and what is practically feasible. Architects also need to be able to understand the concerns of the construction crew and help them overcome any problems with the building process. The responsibility of completing projects in time and on budget also rests with architects.

Construction managers, quantity surveyors, and civil engineers all play important roles in the safe construction of structurally sound buildings; but without construction workers, all projects would flounder after the planning stages. Jobs within the labour sector include heavy equipment operators – considered the most prestigious position- ironworkers, carpenters, masons, teamsters or truck drivers and hodcarriers, who are masons’ assistants.

It’s generally accepted that workers carry personal tool kits with all the essential tools. Hammers, screwdrivers, vicegrips, pliers, and wrenches are just some of the tools that make up a construction worker’s tool-box. Employers generally provide safety equipment such as safety goggles, hard hats, and gloves. Some construction workers, however, prefer to supply their safety equipment, especially personal items like hard hats and gloves.

It’s difficult to find aspects of the concrete jungle that appeal to people’s sense of aesthetics. No matter how hard designers and architects try to create buildings that are pleasing to the eye, an edifice is still an edifice with very little to recommend it. However, few would deny that skylines, such as those found in New York and Chicago, are spectacular when viewed from afar. As Andy Warhol said, “They look like money.”

Recommended sites:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/skyscraper/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyscraper_design_and_construction