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Comparative Analysis of the Tallest Vanity Heights in Skyscrapers

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posted on 2024-05-05, 09:03 authored by James HelalJames Helal

This infographic presents a comparative analysis of vanity height as a proportion of the total building height among some of the world's tallest skyscrapers. Each skyscraper is graphically represented, showcasing the height to the highest occupied floor compared to the additional vanity height, which is defined as the extra height extending to its architectural top.

The data for this visualization are based on the findings from the study by Helal, J., Trabucco, D., & Savovic, D. (2024). Embodied carbon premium for vanity height: a case for the exclusion of decorative spires in the design of tall buildings. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142334. This research emphasizes the environmental cost of non-functional elements in skyscraper design and advocates for architectural practices that prioritize sustainability over aesthetic excess.

This graph not only highlights the disparity between usable and decorative heights in skyscraper architecture but also supports the broader argument for reducing unnecessary carbon emissions in building designs. The height data were sourced from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Skyscraper Center in May 2024.

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