Best of the Best. Dialogue between the Object and Its Creator
Despite the numerous economic problems and permanent challenges of the global economy, high-rise construction of the new century is developing intensively, and it requires constant attention and analysis to the numerous changes and abundant news. A wide range of diverse buildings in the “high rise” category requires continuous and comprehensive study. With this in the background, one of the most acute issues is to determine the concept of “the best” in terms of the modern skyscraper. The role of the master is no less important, as far as the creation of new masterpieces is concerned. Is it always that high-risers by “the Greats” are actually the most interesting? And what criteria do the experts use to choose “the best” tall buildings of the 21st century?
It is impossible to state definitely that the most striking skyscrapers are only created by famous architects. It is unfair to say the opposite, that spectacular high-rise designs help to create the name and to promote one’s own office in the architectural market. A skyscraper is in the first place a complex and expensive structure so no developer or investor will entrust its creation to an unknown beginner. But some constructive ideas, technological innovations that affect the appearance and character of a high-rise building can be invented, suddenly and innovatively used by not particularly well-known architects. What is the share of work of recognized masters in the field of high-rise construction among the winning buildings? Who confers these awards and what criteria do they use?
In the 20th century the skyscraper was by definition an exceptional structure and no one ran a regular comparison of high-risers on a global scale. Even in the forefront of the widespread high-rise construction of the 1960–1970s especially in economically developed countries highrisers were awarded on a par with other types of architectural structures. Moreover, some skyscrapers acquired special town-planning significance and became the visual leaders of the development environment for a long time. Nation-wide these buildings could remain leaders in terms of various parameters for a long time and were considered reference points in terms of the development of local architecture. In the new century the number and variety of skyscrapers became so great that it seemed justified to establish a separate architectural award specifically for high-rise buildings. The Emporis Skyscraper Award is based on a comprehensive and deep analysis of the material and determines the best on the following criteria: the quality of architecture and design, functionality, innovative engineering systems and materials, comfort level and interaction with the environment.
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Text: Marianna Maevskaya