Abstract
Skyscrapers are usually discussed in terms of architectural design or the technology which enables them to be built. However, there is a third variable which significantly affects their development which is seldom considered, which is the vehicle of Law. Law creates a powerful yet invisible web of constraints that shapes architecture as surely as architectural theories and technologies. This is particularly relevant to tall structures which, due to the heightened concerns associated with fire, means of escape and structural collapse, have been the focus of the most restrictive controls. While health and safety concerns are justified – the Grenfell Tower fire is a grim reminder of the consequences of lax regulation and inspection – codes tend to be developed on an ad hoc basis in reaction to a disaster or pressure group rather than as part of an overall plan to create a long-term, sustainable urban environment that integrates the advantages of high-rise development. As such, their collective impact is not fully understood. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to examine the complex relationship between law and architecture with particular focus on the skyscraper. By examining historical and international data, the extent of the impact (both positive and negative) can be assessed. Issues such as height, configuration, massing, appearance and even location can provide the foundation for a broader, discussion as to how legal frameworks can evolve to meet the demands of the future within a sustainable, safe and healthy environment.
Presenters
Robert GreenstreetProfessor and Dean Emeritus, Architecture, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Law, Skyscraper, Fire, Collapse
