For many decades now, people have been using tall buildings for various activities. But back then, these weren’t the engineering behemoths they are today. The Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885 in Chicago, Illinois, only had 10 stories to its name but is considered the first skyscraper ever built. Thanks to engineering developments and building methods involving crane services, it is normal to see buildings with over 50 stories in major urban centers.
A Blessing to Cities
Tall buildings and skyscrapers have been a blessing to many city dwellers. Land area in these places is extremely limited. With a small land area, developers have no choice but to build upwards to create more usable space.
These buildings have made it possible for people to live and work in urban areas. Companies that want a foothold in urban areas often operate from these skyscrapers. Also, since cities are a major area for business and trading, the demand for usable space is high.
Continuous Influx of People
Since many businesses convene in urban centers, it has sparked an influx of people. Many individuals want to experience the pull factors that these cities offer. When one lives in a city, they have more access to jobs, business opportunities, and resources that help them live a better life.
High-rise buildings are now created to accommodate these living needs. Today, various residential buildings exist that cater to thousands of city-dwellers. Some buildings are even part of mixed-use developments. These types of properties can cater to the social needs of residents.
People who want to reside in cities will have the choice to live in city skyscrapers. This is a normal case for people who have lived in highly populated cities for the entire duration of their lives. While it is common to be living in such high places, is this a good decision for a homeowner?
Living on Top of the World
Being a resident of such high-rises does sound enticing at first. It is viewed as a premier area for living because of its privacy and the scenic views that residents might see from their living quarters. Of course, there is truth to this.
Living in a place on the upper floors of a high-rise building does have nice views. A city’s skyline can sometimes be viewed as aesthetically pleasing to people. Given that humans love things that they find beautiful, some people would love to see these scenic views every day.
Of course, living in some of these buildings can be incredibly private. People who aren’t residents cannot easily access the residential part of these buildings. This seeming exclusivity may appeal well to people who love privacy.
While these characteristics make high-rises a nice place to live in the city, several drawbacks affect how well people live in these buildings. Some disadvantages can be easily overlooked. But other faults are enough to make people move out and find a different living space.
Safety During Emergencies
Living inside these tall buildings can be as safe as living in a home that’s closer to the ground. But being on the upper floors of tall structures can be treacherous for people during certain emergencies. Residents cannot flee immediately during calamities like fires and earthquakes. There is always the risk of getting trapped when these events happen.
And because they are located in such great heights, first responders may have difficulty getting there. These disastrous instances are already dangerous for residents. But the delay in response due to the height of the building can be life-threatening.
Living Quality
Some residents may not be satisfied with their lives in these buildings. For one, being in these buildings can limit social interaction. People don’t typically see their neighbors often. There is also a diminished sense of community inside the buildings.
Also, there aren’t many opportunities to be exposed to fresh air. In higher levels, it can be unsafe to open windows. In some cases, the windows don’t even open. This means that the ventilation inside living spaces is highly reliant on HVAC systems.
This may affect the living quality of residents. Many people thrive on social interactions. And being in these secluded buildings may have negative effects on their welfare.
Space
Another common thing for people living in cities is the lack of space. The living quarters inside these buildings may be relatively small. These buildings may be created to accommodate as many people as they can.
Some developers might try to save space by making living quarters smaller. Of course, more spacious options will always exist. But they may significantly be more expensive, which can be hard for the average person to afford.
Living in these high-rises can be a complicated experience. Some adore these living spaces, while others only live in them because of limited options. Despite these complications, residents can still live a safe and fulfilling life in these buildings while enjoying the benefits of the city.
