A new generation of landmark mega-towers and super-slender buildings is rising across the globe. Each bespoke project faces considerable challenges associated with its great height such as mitigating the effects of wind turbulence, as well as its numerous underground components, and the way it interacts with its streetscape and its neighbourhood and the people that reside in those same communities.
WSP’s technical expertise and decades of experience enable towers to soar to heights of over 300 m. Through our innovative design approach and use of materials, we ensure that the form and function of our mega-towers perfectly match the different needs of the people who use them.
Our designs for tall, slim towers help developers make the most of limited real estate in urban areas and capitalize on small and constricted sites to create highly desirable residences with magnificent views and high market values.
Engineering global high-rise landmarks
Our portfolio includes globally recognized landmarks such as One World Trade Center in New York; The Shard, a new symbol of London; China’s tallest building, Shanghai Tower; the world’s tallest twin towers, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
We offer world-class engineering skills, advanced technical back up and in-depth knowledge of the current design standards for any type of building, anywhere in the world. Our specialist expertise in high-rise is enhanced through innovative and common sense solutions.
Creating the highest value
We add value to our projects by listening carefully to our clients to ensure we meet their commercial requirements and the needs of building occupants, and deliver buildings that are safe, sustainable and cost-effective.
We pioneered engineering techniques that have reduced build times, realized additional floors and maximized space even in the most awkward of footplates. From the earliest design stages, we plan for the diverse uses of a building through its whole life cycle, focusing on efficiency and economy and the flexibility to adapt to future needs. We optimize the building structure to maximize the lettable area; and we optimize the building performance by including energy-efficient systems and advanced vertical transportation technologies to reduce operational costs.
Delivering technical excellence
Our centres of excellence in the design of tall buildings offer world-class design skills, which we integrate with local detailed design delivery and relationship management. Our talented and experienced engineers use the most sophisticated design tools and constantly explore new ways to design and build using innovative materials and advanced methods of construction. Their expertise allows us to:
- Counteract the impact of wind on tall buildings through the innovative use of higher strength concrete and steel and the development of acceleration damping devices
- Ensure the stability of very tall buildings even in the most unstable of ground conditions, such as earthquake zones
- Deliver robust buildings that protect against disproportionate collapse in the event of localized damage
- Deliver buildings that withstand the effects of extreme events
- Develop new construction techniques to streamline building construction and minimize costs
Sustainability with a view
We’re committed to minimizing the burden of our projects on the environment, while maximizing the benefits they offer economically and to society.
We have a long heritage of specialist green building design, always at the forefront of the development of new, sustainable technologies to reduce the environmental impact of tall buildings. We consider the overall emissions and resource consumption over the whole lifespan of a building, and prioritize strategies such as using recycled or locally sourced materials, incorporating low carbon building services design and minimizing waste.
Stimulating urban economies and revitalizing city centres
Our tall building projects are catalysts for urban regeneration, stimulating growth by creating places where people enjoy living, leisure and shopping as well as working. They put people back in the heart of cities.
We pay close attention to how buildings interact with people and public spaces at street level, and contribute to the creation of attractive, comfortable streetscapes through the expertise of our urban development and transportation planners and the use of advanced modelling technology.
