Typological Aspects of High-Rise Buildings

Towers; church spires, town hall towers, castle keeps. Towers were once considered the pinnacle of constructional triumph, demonstrating the greatest possible achievement and seen as technical masterpieces. The striving for religious and economic supremacy, artistic perfection, national pride and a sense of community: the driving forces behind the construction of towers are diverse and manifold. Towers represented military fortification, provided defence, and enhanced views and orientation, but seldom provided space purely for housing or employment. Times have changed; towers for churches or fortresses are no longer needed. Towers were replaced by houses, high houses, high-rise houses - and these, always taller, always slimmer, have once again become towers; apartment towers and office towers.