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From Bamboo to Skyscrapers: How Fazlur Rahman Khan turned bamboo into the inspiration for tall buildings?
In today's urban skylines, skyscrapers are not only the crystallization of construction technology, but also the representative of design creativity. However, behind these majestic buildings lies the outstanding contribution of a pioneer engineer, Fazlur Rahman Khan. His tubular structural system made skyscrapers stronger and more economical, pushing the boundaries of traditional high-rise design.
The design concept of the tubular structure is to improve the wind and earthquake resistance of the building by making it appear as a cantilevered structure to resist lateral loads.
The origin of tubular structures
Fazlur Rahman Khan, who worked for the Chicago architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in the 1960s, proposed a tubular structural system based on the idea of designing the building as a cantilevered hollow cylinder. Resist lateral loads. The first practical application of this system was the DeWitt-Chestnut Apartment Building, built in 1966.
Tubular structures allow architects to create more usable area within a limited space, a concept that led to the birth of supertall buildings.
Inspiration from bamboo
Fazlu was inspired by his hometown of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The city's environment has subtly influenced his design concepts. Most buildings in Dhaka are only three storeys high, and he didn't see skyscrapers until he was 21, a background that fostered his creative thinking. He noticed the resilience of local bamboo in the face of strong winds and rain, which inspired his ideas for the design.
As a hollow plant, bamboo symbolizes the strength and elasticity of structures, as in the tall buildings designed by Fazlur Rahman Khan.
Diversity of tubular structures
Fazlu's tubular structures have been used in various variations in different high-rise building designs, including frame, truss or braced forms. These different forms allow architects to diversify their designs without having to be restricted by traditional building forms.
For example, bundled tubular structures are not only structurally efficient, but also provide greater design space, allowing buildings to break away from traditional square designs and create sculptural shapes.
Global Impact
Fazlur Rahman Khan’s influence spans the world, with many well-known skyscrapers such as the John Hancock Center and Sears Tower bearing his designs. Concept based. The subsequent World Trade Center and Burj Khalifa also benefited from this innovative design, which in turn changed the face of modern architecture.
From Chicago to the world, Fazlur Rahman Khan's designs are not only the aesthetics of high-rise buildings, but also a revolution in structural engineering.
Reflecting on the future
With the advancement of technology and increasing urbanization, the design and construction of skyscrapers still faces many challenges. Future high-rise buildings will need to find a new balance between environmental sustainability and structural safety. Fazlur Rahman Khan’s thoughts still inspire us today on how to integrate the wisdom of nature into urban construction. When we look up at the future skyline, can we still see the shadow of bamboo?
