Designing High Performance MEP Systems for Supertall Buildings: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The design and construction of supertall buildings has grown dramatically in recent years. This area of practice has traditionally fallen within the purview of a very small group of architects and engineers, but this is rapidly changing, as unprecedented growth and densification has spread to markets not traditionally known for high rise construction. The design community has been increasingly committed to the adoption of green and sustainable design, and the integration of smarter, cleaner technologies across the building spectrum. This paper examines current supertall design trends, and suggests that recently completed and planned projects are trending towards more sustainable solutions, and that a unique set of best practices are emerging specific to Supertalls.