New Skyscrapers Move in the Direction of a “Mixed-use” Model

In a recent article from David Nicholson-Cole and published by CNN Style, he discusses the iconic “International Style" of skyscraper from the 20^th century as “a prismatic glass surface wrapped around a central service core.”  Nicholson-Cole explains that this type of skyscraper was first envisioned by a group of German architects, including Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, who fled to America during the 1920s and 30s.  Some examples of early, dark glass-walled skyscrapers include the United Nation’s Building in 1952, the Lever House in 1954 and the Seagram Tower in 1958.   

Now however, last century’s model of high-rise urban centers surrounded by suburban areas that people live and shop in is not considered “compatible with the land resources, population, energy, and transport requirements of 21st-century cities.”  Today there is a demand for more energy-efficient skyscrapers and a move away from 20^th century glass towers as well as a trend toward constructing more mixed-use tall buildings. 

In addition things like the Internet have changed the need for traditional office space as many more employees now work from home and communicate through video conferencing and virtual networks.  Skyscrapers are being designed with large trading floors or multi-screen workstations as well as large, open spaces to meet and gather.  Many new buildings offer landscaped “naturalized” interiors, sky gardens, and an array of energy-efficient features and have returned to large glazed windows set in insulated concrete walls. 

Another 21^st century trend is toward mixed-use skyscrapers that not only contain office space but also have hotels, residential apartments, restaurants and entertainment venues, and even retail at ground level.  Frequently underground parking is available.  The trend toward mixed-use buildings is seen as a way to obtain income rentals from a variety of sources, and thus make the skyscraper less susceptible to inevitable economic swings. 

Many of The Conco Companies projects have been mixed-use high-rises including the soon to open Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles. The skyscraper is the tallest building west of the Mississippi and will offer a 900-room InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown hotel, cutting-edge restaurants, businesses, and attractive nightlife offerings and will add to the rich cultural and economic revival of Downtown.

The Conco Companies are a leading supplier of concrete services throughout the Western U.S.  We got our start in the Bay Area in 1959 by offering clients the best value on a wide range of concrete services and products and are now one of the foremost concrete contractors in the region. Our concrete services include commercial, educational, industrial and public works projects as well as parking structures.

Source: cnn.com/2016/12/08/architecture/rise-of-glass-skyscrapers/index.html