Modern skyscrapers are becoming more and more widely seen form of residential or commercial architecture, appearing in countries all around the world. They are the best answer city planners have to spatial issues and the demand for housing because they can fit a number of homes or commercial spaces into a relatively small space. Some towers become design icons whereas others are not so well received. The biggest argument tends to be that they change the skyline and can get in the way of sunlight, leaving spaces around them darkened. The answer to the second problem could be found sooner rather than later.
An international architectural firm has been looking into the problem and has come up with a strategy to create “no shadow towers”. These skyscrapers will be specially designed to reflect sunlight and redirect it rather than simply blocking it out. The idea is a unique one that could completely change the design of properties and remove one of the major criticisms towards them.
The idea is to use two curved towers that will be angled to ensure they block out as little sun as possible. They will also diffuse sunlight to areas below them efficiently so that the areas around the building are well lit rather than being left in shadow. This idea has been tried before, most famously resulting in the issues with 20 Fenchurch Street when the light was so bright it could melt the paintwork on vehicles parked on the street. However, with adjustment and experimentation, the idea is still viable.
The “no shadow towers” are designed using a complex algorithm that determines the shape they need to be based on the path of the sun in a particular place. The algorithm can be adapted to suit any location in the world so a tower could feasibly be built anywhere.
The idea is an exciting one because it considers the impact of the skyscraper rather than just the aesthetics. It could actually help to reinvigorate designers to ensure the commercial architecture they design don’t cast a large, intrusive shadow. With over 236 towers approved or pending final approval, London could benefit a great deal from this new shift in conscientious design.