Tall Buildings, Tight Streets

Abstract

Tall buildings have stirred controversy since they first appeared in American cities toward the end of the last century. Visually, they were exciting. The skyscraper was a new form of building and a uniquely American one. But as tall buildings began to proliferate, changing the shape, the pace, and the patterns of the city, concerns were raised about their impact on the quality of life. Collectively, they created a series of problems that still confront those who plan, design, and build them, as well as those who must live with them. Over a billion square feet of office space has been added to American downtowns since 1950, and this growth continues to alter the character of the urban core faster than planners can develop and evaluate guidelines to cope with it.