Next generation skyscrapers to drive 'vertical living'

Subject

Trends in skyscraper construction.

Significance

Tall buildings, defined as over 200 metres high, are being built in record numbers and to record heights -- over one kilometre in the case of the Kingdom Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Government ambition for trophy projects, land scarcity in major cities and demand for housing and other living spaces (caused by rapid urbanisation, particularly in Asia) are driving this trend.

Impacts

• Housing scarcity will be severe where stringent height restrictions combine with rules constraining outward development, eg, greenbelts.
• Competition between Gulf states will encourage development of 'iconic' towers, but risks overinvestment and oversupply.
• Singapore will lead space-saving construction innovations, including new underground living and working environments.
• Disincentives to formal construction in many African cities will drive informal sprawl, undermining service delivery.