In this blog post, we will examine whether high-rise buildings are a symbol of progress or an addiction of modern life from various perspectives.
The word “addiction” was originally used mainly in reference to drugs and narcotics, but its meaning has expanded significantly in modern times. Nowadays, smartphones, televisions, and even certain lifestyles or consumption patterns are included in the category of addiction. The dictionary defines addiction as ‘a pathological state in which one cannot endure without excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, or a state in which one is so immersed in an idea or object that one cannot judge things normally’.” If we think about it, we can apply this word to various situations. For example, modern people cannot do their jobs or even live their daily lives smoothly without advanced electronic devices. This can be seen as a kind of addiction to advanced technology. In this way, addiction is prevalent in all aspects of our lives.
This phenomenon of addiction is also evident in the architectural world. A prime example is the obsession with building taller and taller skyscrapers. Cities like Dubai, Hong Kong, and New York are already dominated by skyscrapers over 60 stories tall. Some buildings, like the Burj Khalifa and the Shanghai Tower, boast heights exceeding 500 meters. These high-rise structures are not merely used for aesthetic purposes or as observation decks but also serve as actual living spaces. In Korea as well, newly constructed apartments are predominantly ultra-high-rise mixed-use buildings exceeding 40 stories. Humans are driven by a desire to reach ever higher places.
So why do we build tall buildings and live in them? There are many reasons, but first and foremost, we needed more space to accommodate a growing population on limited land. Apartments first appeared during the Industrial Revolution to house workers, as Europe’s cities were rapidly industrializing and experiencing explosive population growth. Initially, apartments were low-rise buildings of four or five stories, but with advancements in construction technology, they grew taller and taller. Apartment culture spread worldwide, and in countries that underwent rapid modernization, apartments were built on a large scale to solve population concentration issues. South Korea is one such country, with large apartment complexes built in Gangnam and satellite cities near Seoul to accommodate the city’s growing population.
These apartment complexes led to the development of commercial districts and cultural facilities, and the influx of more people brought economic prosperity. As a result, high-rise buildings have become not only practical residential facilities but also an important factor in promoting economic activity. However, there are also negative views on large apartment complexes. In particular, there are concerns that they are reducing the aesthetic appeal of cities.
Apartments built until the early 2000s were mostly box-shaped cuboids, which were criticized for resembling birdcages and spoiling the city’s appearance. After the building code was revised, apartment designs improved, and buildings with more sophisticated exteriors began to appear. Additionally, with the rise of mixed-use buildings, apartments have evolved beyond simple residential spaces to become landmarks of the city. Now, mixed-use buildings are being constructed in skyscraper form, filling the entire city with high-rise buildings. This goes beyond mere practicality and plays a role in enhancing the aesthetic value of the city.
The human desire and obsession for heights has existed since ancient times. For example, the pyramids of ancient Egypt, the Tower of Babel, and the cathedrals of medieval Europe all symbolize humanity’s aspiration toward the sky. These buildings were constructed based on religious beliefs and reflect humanity’s desire to get closer to the gods in the sky. Notable examples include the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which were built using the best architectural techniques of their time. These buildings are not only recognized for their height but also for their artistic value, and they remain popular tourist attractions to this day.
High-rise buildings have not lost their appeal even in modern times. However, we need to consider the problems that this obsession brings. While high-rise buildings undoubtedly contribute to the economic and social development of cities, they also have negative effects. For example, people who live in tall buildings are mostly members of the upper class, which is seen as a symbol of wealth.
In movies and dramas, characters often appear living in penthouses on the top floors of these high-rise buildings, which are used as a device to showcase wealth and power. On the other hand, ordinary citizens find it difficult to access these high-rise buildings, which exacerbates social inequality. A more serious problem is the impact of high-rise buildings on the natural environment.
These structures alter the city skyline and often disrupt harmony with the surrounding environment. The numerous straight lines used in building construction undermine the natural curves of the landscape, and the production of construction materials consumes significant natural resources. This process can lead to environmental destruction and disrupt the balance of ecosystems. While efforts to build eco-friendly structures are underway, these do not constitute a fundamental solution. Ultimately, the act of constructing tall buildings is an expression of humanity’s desire to dominate nature, which can undermine efforts to coexist with it.
Therefore, we must consider both the positive and negative aspects of our obsession with high-rise buildings and seek more balanced urban development. It is time for new architectural approaches and urban planning to address urban development, environmental protection, and social inequality.
