"Building Toward the Clouds"

Technology is wonderful. In my opinion, there is nothing more fascinating than the construction of magnificent buildings that literally scrape the sky. For centuries, man has tried to the reach the heavens by constructing massive towers and other soaring structures. How is it possible? Why do we do it? How high can we go?

The article “Building Toward the Clouds” from Science Illustrated, begins with a timeline on the construction of the different enormous structures man has erected over the past few millenniums, beginning with the ziggurats of Mesopotamia. But in the last two decades, skyscrapers have erected rapidly. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat predicted that the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, will be the third tallest by 2020.

The article also describes some of the technology, challenges, and solutions related to the construction of modern skyscrapers. The reason construction is possible is because modern computers are now able to hold the data for these models. With these computer models, architects and engineers are able to detect problems and test solutions for the structures. “Thanks to stronger, more sophisticated concrete, as well as new steel and concrete composites, structures can also be built hundreds of feet higher than those constructed in the past” (41). The article provides the example of the Russia Tower under construction in Moscow. It will have network of diagonal pillars made of reinforced concrete that uses the minimum amount of material and helps prevent swaying in the wind. Other planned structures include the Chicago Spire, Nakheel Tower, and the Mubarak Tower.

As oil prices go up, so do the skyscrapers in the Middle East and Asia. The article ends explaining that the recent economic downturn seems to have no effect on the desire to continue building giant skyscrapers.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Hunger is the best pickle.” Several months ago I read an article on the construction of the Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The article I read got me craving for more knowledge on this stunning structure. In my search for more information, I ran into “Building Toward the Clouds.” I enjoyed reading this article very much because it answered many questions I had from the previous article, but naturally got me craving for even more knowledge. This article provides fascinating information, but it only briefly mentions certain interesting subjects. I wish the article would have gone into more detail about past disasters and flaws in skyscrapers, how skyscrapers are constructed, and the costs of these extensive projects.

This article provokes me to think of three different things: what it would be like to be an engineer for such a project, how great it would be to travel and see one of these stunning skyscrapers, and how the United States should keep up in the race in building these structures. Being an engineer for such a project would be a hard, but rewarding job. It would be fascinating to see models transform into incredible structures. It would be just as exciting to travel and view some of these buildings personally. The majority of these buildings are in the Middle East and I think that the United States should keep up in the race in building the structures. The main question I have now is what country will build the first structure that stretches a mile high?