Aluminium & Gravity Defying ‘Green’ Skyscrapers
15 Apr 2021
Aluminium first marked its presence in the world of building & construction with the Empire State building, New York’s most iconic skyscraper built in 1931, that remained the world’s tallest building till 1970. A sight in 102 stories and 1,454 ft height, aluminium was to build all of the building’s basic structures as well as interiors. In fact, the first thing that catches the eye when one enters the Empire State Building is the gorgeous fresco in its lobby, constructed of aluminium leaf and 24 carat gold.
Starting with mid-20th century, aluminium continues to push the frontiers of building & construction today, helping architects design lighter structures with greater design flexibility. Gravity defying skyscrapers and high-rise buildings would be impossible without aluminium and its superlative properties like high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, corrosion resistance, energy efficiency, endless recyclability, superior finish and formability, and adaptability to various climatic conditions.
Modern high-performance aluminium alloys can easily able to support the weight of heavy glass spans, thus maximizing the amount of natural light into tall buildings and reducing energy needs. As the world grows increasingly conscious of sustainability and carbon footprint, aluminium grows in preference as the material of choice among architects and builders. The metal has already proved to be a game changer in construction sector as structures built with aluminium (majorly, along with other materials) continue to surpass green building benchmarks, winning awards like LEED Platinum and Gold.
