Towards resource-generative skyscrapers

Rapid urbanization, resource depletion, and limited land are further increasing the need for skyscrapers in city centers; therefore, it is imperative to enhance tall building performance efficiency and energy-generative capability. Potential performance improvements can be explored using parametric multi-objective optimization, aided by evaluation tools, such as computational fluid dynamics and energy analysis software, to visualize and explore skyscrapers' multi-resource, multi-system generative potential. An optimization-centered, software-based design platform can potentially enable the simultaneous exploration of multiple strategies for the decreased consumption and large-scale production of multiple resources. Resource Generative Skyscrapers (RGS) are proposed as a possible solution to further explore and optimize the generative potentials of skyscrapers. RGS can be optimized with waste-energy-harvesting capabilities by capitalizing on passive features of integrated renewable systems. This paper describes various resource-generation technologies suitable for a synergetic integration within the RGS typology, and the software tools that can facilitate exploration of their optimal use.