Skyscraper
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Skyscraper
Skyscraper is a term used in architecture and urban design to describe a tall, continuously habitable building with multiple floors. The height and definition of a skyscraper have evolved over time, but they are generally considered to be at least 100 meters (328 feet) tall and have a high height-to-width ratio. Skyscrapers are typically designed for commercial, residential, or mixed-use purposes and are constructed using materials such as steel, concrete, and glass. The development of skyscrapers began in the late 19th century, made possible by advancements in construction technologies such as steel framing and the invention of the elevator. These tall buildings have become iconic symbols of modern cities, representing economic power, technological progress, and architectural innovation. Skyscrapers often feature distinct architectural styles, ranging from the early 20th-century Art Deco to the sleek, contemporary designs of the 21st century. They are designed to maximize vertical space in dense urban areas, accommodating a large number of occupants and various functions within a relatively small footprint. The construction of skyscrapers involves complex engineering challenges, such as ensuring structural stability, managing wind forces, and providing efficient vertical transportation. Environmental factors, like energy efficiency and sustainable design, have also become increasingly important considerations in skyscraper design and construction.
high-rise, vertical, urban, tower, tall
Skyscraper
A skyscraper is a tall, multi-story building that is typically constructed in densely populated urban areas. These buildings are often used for commercial and residential purposes and are constructed using a steel frame and reinforced concrete. Skyscrapers are iconic symbols of modern cities and are often the most recognizable feature of a city's skyline. The term skyscraper is derived from the two words sky and scraper, which both refer to the height of the structure. One important aspect of skyscrapers is their impact on the environment. The construction and operation of these buildings can have significant environmental consequences, including increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, many modern skyscrapers are designed to be more sustainable, incorporating features such as green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems. Another important aspect of skyscrapers is their role in shaping the urban landscape. These buildings often define the skyline of a city and can have a significant impact on the surrounding area. They can also be used to create public spaces and improve the overall livability of a city. In addition to their practical uses, skyscrapers are also symbols of power, wealth, and ambition. They represent human ingenuity and the desire to push the boundaries of what is possible. As such, they have become an important part of the cultural landscape and are often featured in movies, television shows, and other forms of media.
tall, multi-story building, urban, commercial, residential, steel frame, reinforced concrete, environment, sustainability, urban landscape, power, wealth, ambition
Skyscraper
Skyscrapers are a type of building characterized by their tall, often slender, structure; they are one of the most prominent features of many large cities. Developments in engineering and construction techniques have enabled the construction of ever taller and more ambitious structures. In the 19th century, the development of the elevator and steel-frame construction allowed for the construction of buildings of unprecedented height. Early skyscrapers were a product of the industrial revolution; they allowed for a greater concentration of workers and businesses within a limited area. As the building industry has grown, so too have the heights of skyscrapers, with the tallest being over 800 meters. Skyscrapers are typically found in business and financial districts, where their height allows for greater visibility and prestige. With advances in materials and technology, architects have been able to create ever more ambitious designs, with many iconic skyscrapers, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Empire State Building, becoming recognized landmarks in their respective cities.
Height, structure, elevator, steel-frame, construction.
Skyscraper
The skyscraper is an iconic example of modern architecture. It is defined as a very tall, multi-story building, typically of steel or concrete construction, and often with a glass curtain wall. It is typically used in a densely populated urban environment, and has become a distinct feature of a modern city skyline. Characteristically, skyscrapers often feature a well-defined form and structure, a tall, vertical tower, and the use of elevators to rapidly move people between floors. The skyscraper is a symbol of power, wealth, and ambition, and is a living testament to the ingenuity of human engineering.
High-rise, tall, tower, urban, modern.
Skyscraper
Masonry is an ancient craft that has been used for centuries to build structures of all shapes and sizes, from single-family homes to the most iconic structures of our time. Skyscrapers, in particular, are structures that are constructed with a reinforced steel frame, and typically designed to rise more than 150 meters in height, with a large number of stories. Skyscrapers are typically constructed to be aesthetically pleasing and to maximize the use of space. In addition, the use of masonry materials is often employed to create a strong and resilient structure, as well as to add visual interest to the building.
Urban, Vertical, High-Rise, Engineering, Structural.
Skyscraper
The word Skyscraper is classified as a noun. A synonym of the word would be high-rise, a antonym would be low-rise, and a cognate could be a German word, like Hochhaus. Variants of the word Skyscraper include skyscrapers, skyscraping, and skyscraped.
Etymology morphology Skyscraper, historical linguistics, dialectology, derivation, affixation, lexicology, lexicography, semantic change, loanwords, language contact.
Skyscraper
The term ‘skyscraper’ is a compound word derived from the two discrete words ‘sky’ and ‘scraper’ which both refer to the height of the structure in question. The morphological analysis shows that the components are combined to form a single meaning. The term is primarily used to describe a very tall structure, usually a building, which often defines the skyline of a city or region. It is believed that the term originally referred to the tall masts of sailing ships which could be seen from miles away and hence the adoption of this term to describe tall buildings. It is important to note that the term is not used to refer to any other type of tall structure. Additionally, the term is also used in a symbolic sense to refer to any tall endeavour or achievement.
Etymology, Morphology, Historical, Evolution, Pragmatics.
CITATION : "Henry Fontaine. 'Skyscraper.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=221246 (Accessed on June 04, 2025)"
Skyscraper
The term Skyscraper is used to refer to any large, tall and permanent building, usually with more than 40 stories. This term was first used in the late 1800s to describe the newly developed engineering feats of these towering structures. There are a variety of different words that can be used to refer to this type of architectural feat in different languages. For instance, in Chinese, the term 'Lóngfēng' can be used to refer to a Skyscraper. In Arabic, the term 'Binā' is used for the same purpose and in French, the term 'Gratte-Ciel' can be used. In German, the term 'Hochhaus' is the equivalent word. Similarly, in Spanish, the term 'Rascacielos' is used, while in Italian the term 'Grattacielo' is used. In Japanese, the term 'Takicuka' is the equivalent word and in Russian, the term 'Neboostrojenie' is used to refer to a Skyscraper. In Portuguese, the term 'Arranha-Céu' is used to describe a Skyscraper.
Words like Lóngfēng, Binā, Gratte-Ciel, Hochhaus, Rascacielos, Grattacielo, Takicuka, Neboostrojenie, Arranha-Céu, tall building, multistory structure, high-rise, mega structure, vertical city, tower block, tower complex, tower hotel, supertall structure,
Skyscraper
A skyscraper is a tall, multi-story building constructed on a steel frame and reinforced concrete. Skyscrapers are typically built in densely populated urban areas, where land is in high demand and the buildings are typically used for commercial and residential purposes. Skyscrapers can reach heights of up to a thousand feet, with some of the tallest buildings in the world reaching over two thousand feet. Skyscrapers are iconic symbols of modern cities and are often the most recognizable feature of a city's skyline.
Skyscraper, tall building, high-rise, steel frame, reinforced concrete, urban architecture, city skyline.
Skyscraper on Design+Encyclopedia
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