The Environmental Performance of Tall Buildings

'Tall buildings are not only attractive due to their architectural design - they are here to stay. As economies grow they will become more numerous and the importance of a good environmental performance will increase. This book tells us how to go about that.'-JosT Goldemberg, Professor and former Rector of the University of Sao Paulo (USP), Brazil, and Time Magazine 'Hero of the Environment'

'As well as being a thorough and beautifully illustrated review of tall buildings around the world, this book challenges claims made about their environmental performance and opens up questions about their actual performance in use, rather than results based on computer simulations. For those concerned with the sustainability of tall buildings, this comprehensive book is essential reading.'-Nick V. Baker, The Martin Centre, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge.

'This excellent book is a virtual encyclopaedia of concerns, knowledge and environmental strategy relating to the design of the high-rise building. Overview, analysis, clear environmental design approaches and a plethora of key exemplar buildings across the world make this book essential reading for architects of a high rise future.'-Mike Davis, Director, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, UK

The tall building represents one of the most energy-intensive architectural typologies, while at the same time offering the high-density work and living conditions that many believe will be an important constituent of future sustainable communities. How, then, can their environmental impact be lessened?

This insightful book takes in:

an overview of the tall building and its impacts (looking at cityscape, place, mobility, microclimate and energy)

global perspectives (covering North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia)

design principles and the development of the sustainable tall building

detailed, qualitative case studies of buildings in design and operation

the future for sustainable tall buildings

Not simply another showcase for future utopian designs and ideals, the information presented here is based on hard research from operating buildings. Highly illustrated and combining analysis with solid detail for practice, this is essential reading for architects, building engineers, design consultants, retrofitters, developers and urban planners interested in or working with tall buildings, and researchers/students in these disciplines.

Joana Carla Soares Gontalves is an Architect and Urbanist from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Spo Paulo (FAU USP), and is also a member of the teaching staff of the Environment and Energy Studies Programme, MSc and MArch in Environmental Design, at the Architectural Association Graduate School in London.
+rica Mitie Umakoshi is an MSc Architect and Urbanist at FAU USP.