TED-Ed: Will there ever be a mile-high skyscraper? - Stefan Al

In 1956, Frank Lloyd Wright proposed a mile-high skyscraper, but it was never built due to engineering challenges. Today, advancements in materials and design have made such structures feasible. Modern skyscrapers use strong materials like reinforced concrete and innovative designs to withstand gravitational and wind forces. Foundations are crucial for stability, and tuned mass dampers help counteract wind sway. Elevator technology has also advanced, allowing for faster and more efficient travel within tall buildings. These innovations have turned once-impossible ideas into architectural opportunities.

What was a major concern critics had about Frank Lloyd Wright's proposed mile-high skyscraper?

• It would require too much land space.

• The design was not aesthetically pleasing.

• Elevator wait times would be excessively long.

• The building would be too expensive to construct.

Why are modern concrete blends used in skyscraper construction?

• They are cheaper than traditional materials.

• They are more environmentally friendly.

• They are lighter and easier to transport.

• They are reinforced with steel fibers for added strength.

What role do piles play in the foundation of a skyscraper?

• They help in reducing the building's weight.

• They provide aesthetic appeal to the building.

• They are used to store water for the building.

• They prevent the building from sinking by creating friction with the ground.

How do tuned mass dampers help stabilize skyscrapers?

• They absorb kinetic energy to reduce swaying.

• They enhance the building's aesthetic design.

• They increase the building's height.

• They decrease the building's weight.

What is a significant advancement in elevator technology for modern skyscrapers?

• Elevators now use solar power.

• Elevators can travel over 70 kilometers per hour.

• Elevators are now made entirely of glass.

• Elevators can operate without any cables.