skyscraper architecture "http://www.coshe.com/search/" The architectural design of 20th century skyscrapers has been redefined with advances in our modern technology. Benny Louie Humanity 450 Dr. Maureen Schmid May 17, 1999 The architectural design of 20th century skyscrapers has been redefined thanks to advances in our modern technology. In our modern society, the architectural design of skyscrapers is changing the landscape of downtown metropolitan areas. Due to changing technologies, the architectural design of the skyscraper has been radically changed in terms of function, structural design, heating and cooling systems, and social status in society. The fundamental function of architecture is to provide a roof over people's heads. The main purpose of architecture is to serve as a shelter for people to protect themselves from Mother Nature. As the development of civilization progresses, we have increased our knowledge and become more creative. People begin to design buildings to display their wealth and social status. The skyscraper meets the criteria to show society the social status of such a building with great height and elegance. According to O'Gorman, “architecture is a formal language of communication”. (P.89) This communication is represented in forms of texture, form, and style that reflect a certain period of time. In the beginning, architectures were associated with style and culture. “The Greeks built marble temples with Doric, Ionic or Corinthian columns. Egyptian architecture used heavy lotus columns, massive walls, and pyramid shapes. The Gothic style used pointed arches, large areas of stained glass, and ribbed vault construction. (P. 92) Each had its own unique way of expressing its message. In 20th century architectural design, architecture is no longer seen as mere shelter intended to provide a roof over people's heads. Architectures are designed with more environmentally conscious issues in mind, such as cost, energy conservation, and practicality of the structure. The interior environment is designed based on the spatial function of the structures. For example, "a dance hall needs a large, open space with plenty of room for the group and a bar and perhaps tables and chairs around the perimeter so people can sit and chat." » (Conway & Rowan) This concept still applies to real life...... middle of paper ......it is a feeling of prestige to have offices or stores in these high rises sky. Modern skyscrapers are being redefined through the use of advanced technologies. Thanks to technological advancements, skyscrapers can easily reach new heights. This changes the way architects design the structure of these buildings. The new function of the skyscraper is to provide great views, host antennas for communications, television broadcasting and entertainment purposes. The use of a computerized air conditioning system made the building a more comfortable environment for everyone. The great height of the skyscraper like the Sears Tower is associated with the prestige of being the tallest of all. With the rapid advancement of technology and the influence of fame and wealth, there are no limits for the next generation of skyscrapers. Work cited Bennett, David. Form and Function of Skyscrapers New York 1995 Conway, Hazel and Rowan, Roenisch. Understanding Architecture: An Introduction to Architecture and Architectural History. London and New York: Routledge 1994. O'Gorman, James. ABC of Architecture: 1429