highrises

Highrises are tall, multi-story buildings that rise well above surrounding structures and are designed for occupancy on many floors. They rely on an elevator system to move people vertically and are a common feature of urban skylines in cities worldwide. The precise definition of a highrise varies by country and regulatory context, but they typically exceed the height and floor count of nearby buildings.

In many jurisdictions, a highrise begins around 35 meters (roughly 12 stories) or higher, though some rules set higher thresholds that trigger additional fire-safety requirements or structural standards. Highrises can be solely residential, office, or mixed-use, and their design emphasizes efficient vertical circulation, structural resilience, and façade engineering appropriate to tall buildings.

Construction methods for highrises most often employ steel or reinforced concrete frames, sometimes in composite configurations. Facades may use curtain walls or other modern envelope systems. Structural design addresses wind loads, seismic considerations, and long-term performance. Fire safety is central, with features such as protected stairs, fire barriers, sprinkler systems, and in taller buildings, refuge floors and robust egress strategies.

Historically, tall buildings emerged in the late 19th century with advances in steel-frame construction, enabling taller structures than masonry allowed. The development of highrises facilitated urban density and the rise of modern office and residential districts in many cities, influencing skyline prominence and land-use patterns.

While often associated with global cities, highrises affect urban form by concentrating activities and housing large numbers of people in compact footprints. Their presence raises considerations around energy use, infrastructure demand, daylight access, wind effects at street level, and social equity in housing and access to amenities.