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Now showing 1 - 10 of 14
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 13
    Citation - Scopus: 13
    Investigating Space Utilization in Skyscrapers Designed with Prismatic Form
    (Mdpi, 2024) Ilgin, Hueseyin Emre; Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur
    The enduring appeal of prismatic shapes, historically prevalent in office building designs, persists in contemporary skyscraper architecture, which is attributed particularly to their advantageous aspects concerning cost-efficiency and optimal space utilization. Space efficiency is a crucial factor in prismatic skyscraper design, carrying substantial implications for sustainability. However, the current academic literature lacks a complete exploration of space efficiency in supertall towers with prismatic forms, despite their widespread use. This paper seeks to address this significant gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of data gathered from a carefully selected set of 35 case studies. The primary discoveries presented in this paper are outlined as follows: (i) average space efficiency stood at approximately 72%, covering a range that extended from 56% to 84%; (ii) average core to gross floor area ratio averaged around 24%, spanning a spectrum that ranged from 12% to 36%; (iii) the majority of prismatic skyscrapers utilized a central core approach, mainly customized for residential use; (iv) the dominant structural system observed in the analyzed cases was the outriggered frame system, with concrete being the commonly utilized material for the structural components; and (v) the impact of diverse structural systems on space efficiency showed no significant deviation, although differences in function led to variations in average space efficiency. The authors expect that these findings will provide valuable guidance, especially for architects, as they strive to enhance the sustainable planning of prismatic towers.
  • Review
    Citation - WoS: 4
    Citation - Scopus: 4
    Comparative Analysis of Space Efficiency in Skyscrapers With Prismatic, Tapered, and Free Forms
    (Mdpi, 2024) Ilgin, Huseyin Emre; Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur
    This study offers a thorough comparative analysis of space efficiency in skyscrapers across three distinct forms: prismatic, tapered, and free. By examining case studies from each form category, this research investigates how architectural and structural design features impact space utilization in supertall towers. The findings reveal form-based differences in space efficiency and design element usage. In prismatic skyscrapers, which are primarily residential and utilize concrete outrigger frames, the average space efficiency was around 72%, with the core occupying 24% of the gross floor area (GFA). Tapered skyscrapers, commonly mixed-use with composite outrigger frames, showed an average space efficiency of over 70%, with a core-to-GFA ratio of 26%. Freeform towers, often mixed-use and using composite outrigger frames, demonstrated a space efficiency of 71%, with an average core-to-GFA ratio of 26%. Despite these variations, a consistent trend emerged: as the height of a building increases, there is a general decline in space efficiency, highlighting the challenges in optimizing space in taller structures. This analysis adds to the understanding of skyscraper design and space utilization, providing important insights for architects and urban planners aiming to improve the efficiency of future high-rise developments.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 7
    Citation - Scopus: 8
    Evaluating Space Efficiency of Tall Buildings in Turkey
    (Mdpi, 2024) Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur; Ilgin, Huseyin Emre
    In response to the increasing building demands in Turkey, particularly in the metropolitan area of Istanbul, followed by other major cities such as Ankara and Izmir, the expansion of construction zones has led to the emergence of tall towers as a pragmatic solution. The design and implementation of tall buildings require newer technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration in aspects such as facade installation, vertical circulation solutions, and fire systems, compared to low-rise buildings. In spite of the proliferation of skyscrapers, there is a noticeable lack of thorough study on space efficiency in Turkey's tall buildings. This article aims to fill this significant gap in the literature. The research method employed in this study focuses on a case study of 54 modern towers constructed in Turkey between 2010 and 2023, ranging in height from 147 to 284 m. Key findings are as follows: (1) residential use, central core, and prismatic forms are the most prevalent architectural preferences; (2) the most preferred structural material and system are concrete and the shear-walled frame system, respectively; (3) average space efficiency and the percentage of core-to-gross-floor area (GFA) were 78% and 19%, respectively, with measurement ranges varying from a minimum of 64% and 9% to a maximum of 86% and 34%. This paper will provide insight for construction stakeholders, especially architects, for sound planning decisions in the development of Turkish tall buildings.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 7
    Citation - Scopus: 10
    Space Efficiency in North American Skyscrapers
    (Mdpi, 2024) Ilgin, Huseyin Emre; Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur
    Space efficiency in North American skyscrapers is crucial due to financial, societal, and ecological reasons. High land prices in major cities require maximizing every square foot for financial viability. Skyscrapers must accommodate growing populations within limited spaces, reducing urban sprawl and its associated issues. Efficient designs also support environmental sustainability and enhance city aesthetics, while optimizing infrastructure and services. However, no comprehensive study has examined the key architectural and structural features impacting the space efficiency of these towers in North America. This paper fills this gap by analyzing data from 31 case study skyscrapers. Findings indicated that (1) central core was frequently employed in the organization of service core; (2) most common forms were setback, prismatic, and tapered configurations; (3) outriggered frame and shear walled frame systems were mostly used; (4) concrete was the material in most cases; and (5) average space efficiency was 76%, and the percentage of core area to gross floor area (GFA) averaged 21%, from the lowest of 62% and 13% to the highest of 84% and 31%. It is expected that this paper will aid architectural and structural designers, and builders involved in shaping skyscrapers in North America.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 10
    Citation - Scopus: 12
    Space Efficiency of Tall Buildings in Singapore
    (Mdpi, 2024) Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur; Ilgin, Hueseyin Emre
    Space efficiency in Singaporean tall buildings results from a complex interplay of historical, architectural, engineering, technological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. The city-state's innovative and adaptive approach has enabled it to overcome the challenges associated with skyscraper construction, leading to the development of some of the most advanced and sustainable high-rise structures in the world. However, there is currently a lack of detailed analysis on space utilization in Singaporean high-rise buildings. This study addresses this gap by examining 63 cases. The main findings of this research: 1. Residential functions, central core layouts, and prismatic shapes are the most frequent. 2. Concrete material with a shear-walled frame system is the preferred structural choice. 3. Average spatial efficiency is 80%, and the core-to-GFA (Gross Floor Area) ratio averages 17%. These metrics vary from a minimum of 68% and 5% to a maximum of 91% and 32%, respectively. These insights offer valuable guidance for Singaporean construction professionals, particularly architects, helping them make informed design decisions for high-rise projects.
  • Review
    Citation - WoS: 3
    Citation - Scopus: 3
    Spatial Effectiveness in High-Rise Timber Towers: a Global Perspective
    (Mdpi, 2024) Ilgin, Huseyin Emre; Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur
    High-rise timber structures signify a rising trend, thanks to their significant environmental and economic advantages that occur over their complete lifespan. Enhancing spatial effectiveness in these structures is a critical design consideration for project feasibility. Currently, there has been no comprehensive study on the space efficiency of such towers. This article analyzed 79 cases all over the world to deepen the knowledge of design features shaping spatial efficiency. The critical findings are as follows: (1) the most common architectural preferences include residential function, a centrally located service core, and prismatic arrangements; (2) the preferred structural material is composite, while a shear walled frame system is the favored structural system; (3) the average spatial efficiency and percentage of core area to GFA were recorded at 84% and 10%, ranging from the lowest values of 70% and 4% to the highest values of 95% and 21%, respectively; and (4) no significant differences were detected in the effect of core design approaches on spatial effectiveness if appropriately planned, with similar inferences drawn concerning form and the structural material used. This article will assist in developing design directions for different interested parties, including architectural designers taking part in the advancement of high-rise timber towers.
  • Article
    Shanghai's High-Rise Buildings: Exploring Space Efficiency, Structural Systems, Forms, Materials and Core Designs
    (Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026) Aktas, Kurt Orkun; Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur; Aktas, Gozen Guner; Ilgin, Huseyin Emre
    This study examines the architectural and structural design considerations influencing space efficiency in Shanghai's high-rise buildings. Understanding space efficiency is significant because it directly affects land-use intensity, economic returns, and sustainability outcomes. The objective of this study is to quantify space efficiency ratios by analyzing the relationships between core types, function, form, and structural systems, and assess temporal and comparative benchmarks for Shanghai within the global context. The novelty lies in its combined focus on architectural and structural determinants of space efficiency, supported by data on 43 high-rise buildings in Shanghai. Methodologically, this study relies on quantitative analysis of Net Floor Area (NFA), Gross Floor Area (GFA), and core ratios, supplemented with comparative evaluation of building forms, materials, and structural systems. The key findings reveal: (1) average space efficiency at 75% with core-to-GFA ratios of 23%, varying between 52-93% and 5-33% respectively; (2) the dominance of prismatic forms supported by composite outriggered frame systems; (3) a decline in efficiency with increasing building height due to larger service cores. Practically, this research highlights opportunities for stakeholders - including architects, engineers, and policymakers - to adopt lightweight materials, prefabrication techniques, and smart building systems that improve space efficiency in future high-rise developments.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 4
    Citation - Scopus: 5
    Space Efficiency in Tall Hotel Towers
    (Mdpi, 2024) Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur; Ilgin, Huseyin Emre
    Maximizing spatial utilization within tall buildings stands as a paramount planning consideration for ensuring project feasibility, particularly accentuated ins the context of hotel constructions. To date, no comprehensive study has addressed this issue while considering crucial architectural and structural planning factors. This article fills this gap by using a case study method based on data from 31 contemporary tall hotel towers. The findings revealed several key points: (i) central core typology was mostly utilized; (ii) prismatic buildings were the most prevalent forms; (iii) shear-walled frame systems were predominantly employed; (iv) concrete was the preferred choice for hotel construction; (v) the average space efficiency and the ratio of core area to gross floor area (GFA) averaged 81.2% and 16%, respectively; (vi) the range changed from a minimum of 70% to 4% to a maximum of 94% to 28%; and (vii) space efficiency showed an inverse relationship with the height of the building. It is anticipated that this paper will assist architects and structural engineers as well as builders involved in the planning of hotel developments.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 8
    Citation - Scopus: 10
    Space Efficiency in Timber Office Buildings
    (Elsevier, 2024) Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur; Ilgin, Huseyin Emre
    Timber offices indicate a growing field, principally thanks to their potential to offer noteworthy ecological and financial gains over their entire life. Like many other building types, space efficiency is a crucial design parameter in timber structures to ensure a project's feasibility. This factor is especially significant in office buildings, where maximizing rental income reflects effective planning. Currently, there is a lack of exhaustive inquiry providing a thorough insight of space efficiency in modern timber office buildings. This study fills this gap in the literature by collecting data from 33 buildings through literature reviews and case study method to investigate space efficiency with the key architectural and structural factors that influence it. The results showed that: (i) central cores stood out as the prevailing core layouts, while peripheral arrangements were noted as alternative preferences. Prismatic shapes emerged as the most favored options; (ii) timber was extensively used as a primary building material, closely followed by combinations of timber and concrete. Load-bearing systems mainly relied on shear walled frames and configurations; (iii) average space utilization across examined cases was 88 %, with variances ranging from 75 % to 95 % among different instances; (iv) average ratio of core area to GFA was 10 %, showing variations between 4 % and 19 % across various scenarios; and (v) there were no substantial variances noted in the effect of different core planning strategies on spatial efficiency. Similar conclusions were drawn regarding building forms and structural materials. Our paper will assist in crafting design principles customized for diverse stakeholders, including architectural designers of timber offices.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 9
    Citation - Scopus: 10
    Analysis of Space Efficiency in High-Rise Timber Residential Towers
    (Mdpi, 2024) Ilgin, Hueseyin Emre; Aslantamer, Ozlem Nur
    High-rise timber residential towers (>= eight-stories) represent a burgeoning and auspicious sector, predominantly due to their capability to provide significant ecological and financial advantages throughout their lifecycle. Like numerous other building types, spatial optimization in high-rise timber residential structures stands as a pivotal design factor essential for project viability. Presently, there exists no comprehensive investigation on space efficiency in such towers. This study analyzed data from 51 case studies to enhance understanding of the design considerations influencing space efficiency in high-rise timber residential towers. Key findings included (1) the average space efficiency within the examined cases was recorded at 83%, exhibiting variances ranging from 70% to 93% across different cases, (2) the average percentage of core area to gross floor area (GFA) was calculated at 10%, demonstrating fluctuations within the range of 4% to 21% across diverse scenarios, and (3) no notable distinction was observed in the effect of various core planning strategies on spatial efficiency when properly designed, and similar conclusions were drawn regarding building forms and structural materials. This research will aid in formulating design guidelines tailored for various stakeholders such as architectural designers involved in high-rise residential timber building developments.