Design and construction of tall building

[The world is building at an ever-increasing pace to house the rapidly growing population, to replace deteriorating or obsolete buildings, and to satisfy the demand for accommodation of a higher quality.] More and more buildings of all types are needed, from jungle huts to the tall giants of the modern metropolis.

The need for tall buildings is increasing rapidly. Urban renewal schemes for decayed areas within the central cores of many large cities are feasible only by replacing the existing buildings of moderate height by fewer but significantly higher buildings, which, while increasing the population density, provide more open space and green areas.

[A great deal of thought, research and experimentation has gone into the existing tall buildings. The literature and research on the subject is growing steadily and it is apparent that much is yet to be done. The field is vast.] In addition to the problems associated with buildings of moderate height, tall buildings introduce amplifications of the same problems, and create new problems of their own. The aspects are manifold and involve a number of disciplines of learning: sociology, economics, architecture, and many branches of engineering.

The scarcity of land in the desirable central parts of cities is undoubtedly one of the basic reasons for tall buildings. High land values make the erection of tall buildings the only economical way to build. Economic considerations are the prime movers in the erection of the early skyscrapers in the latter part of the last century.

The prestige value of tall buildings is undoubtedly another reason that has prompted buildings owners to strive for greater heights.

[The desire to preserve the central core of a city and to limit the urban sprawl are further factors which favor tall buildings.] The increased permitted population densities combined with requirements for ample open space, make tall buildings the only practical way for effective urban renewal schemes.

Another reason for large, tall buildings is the demand of large organizations for bulk office space in one building in central city areas.

[It is rather difficult to define a tall building. “Tall”, being a relative term, changes its absolute meaning with time and locality.] For instance the first Chicago “skyscraper”, built in 1885, had only 10 floors. Generally, a “tall building” must extend above what is considered average or commonplace in any particular location, at any given time.

Here are some more examples:

-City Tower in Moscow-301.6 m (built in 2009); Moscow State University-240 m (built in 2004.)

And what of the future development? Predictions are difficult, but the application of industrial building methods can well find more application and expression in the tall buildings to come.

Ex. I. Find the equivalents :

to house the population	применение методов
to satisfy the demand	сохранять
the need for high rise	дальнейшие причины
skyscrapers	размещать население
the core of cities	удовлетворять потребности
obsolete buildings	сердцевина городов
the scarcity of land	устаревшие здания
to reserve	небоскребы
further reasons	необходимость в высотных зданиях
the application of methods	нехватка земель

Ex. II. Translate the following:

Population growth, population growth problems, population density, city areas population, 7-storey building, 7-storey building erection, land value, prestige value.

Ex. III. Find the answer to the following question: “What is the main reason for the construction of skyscrapers?”

Prove your choice and develop your idea.

1. The main reasons are manifold and involve a number of important problems

2. The main reasons are increasing rapidly and they lead as a rule to the appearance of new materials.

3. The main reasons are closely connected with the necessity to house the rapidly growing population.

Ex. IV. Agree or disagree with the following statements. Develop your idea.

The construction of skyscrapers will help

a) solve the problem of the scarcity of land

b) to replace obsolete buildings

c) to preserve the central core of a city

Ex. V. Translate into Russian

1. In order to erect skyscrapers one should apply modern methods of construction.

2. The construction of tall buildings helps both to house the growing population and to replace obsolete buildings

3. The application of new techniques leads to the improvement of the construction quality as well as to the reduction of construction cost.

4. According to the main principles of construction cost availability of materials is always included in the design.

Ex. IV. Translate into Russian in written form

The contemporary skyscrapers (or highrise as they are called now) are erected on relatively large building lots with air corridors between buildings above a certain height. Some of the features which distinguish the contemporary tall building from its earlier relatives are: the exterior walls are now largely of lightweight materials; glass ,aluminum and precast concrete have replaced the masonry; the services-air-conditioning, lighting, vertical transportation, communications-have grown and are more complicated; the interior and exterior details are planned with ease of maintenance in mind; the internal walls are light , and easily adjustable to the varying needs of office layout; the appearance is simple and free of ornate detail.

Additional text A