Architect Behind World’s Tallest Skyscraper Has Warning About New Buildings
Summary
Gordon Gill, the architect of the future world’s tallest building, the Jeddah Tower, says the focus of architecture should shift from building taller structures to improving and reusing existing buildings. He highlights that upgrading older buildings can save energy and reduce pollution, and sees this as a major opportunity for innovation in U.S. cities.Key Facts
- Gordon Gill is co-founder of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, based in Chicago.
- He designed the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, which will be the world’s tallest building when finished.
- Gill believes the future challenge in architecture is improving existing buildings rather than building taller ones.
- Nearly half of U.S. buildings are more than 50 years old.
- In 2024, about 25,000 apartments were created by repurposing old buildings, a 50% increase from the previous year.
- Reusing buildings can cut 50-75% of carbon emissions compared to new construction.
- The Willis Tower in Chicago was renovated with upgrades that earned it the highest environmental certification (LEED Platinum).
- Gill says renovating and updating older buildings helps not only those buildings but can positively impact nearby ones as well.
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