Because of their massive bulk and soaring height, skyscrapers immensely impact placemaking. Today, skyscrapers are not exclusive to the U.S.; they have prevailed in many other countries across the world. This paper examines the role of skyscrapers in supporting placemaking in non-Western countries; mainly in China, India, and the Middle East, which have lately witnessed a surge in skyscraper construction. Through case studies, the paper describes and evaluates skyscraper projects that have attempted to embrace traditional forms. In addition to considering aesthetics and morphological issues, the paper stresses that skyscrapers’ design should respect cultural values and practices in relation to functional issues and space utilities. It is hoped that the paper will augment design discourses on the role of skyscrapers in supporting local culture and identity.
Al-Kodmany, Kheir & Ali, Mir M. "Skyscrapers and Placemaking: Supporting Local Culture and Identity," in ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 6, issue 2 (2012).
Kheir Al-Kodmany and Mir M. Ali
