The Contemporary Trend of Perforation: Case of Exoskeleton Concrete Shells

Ilda Rusi

Abstract: This text is oriented to and is part of the research topic with title A study of the potential for using perforated RC perimeter walls in high rise buildings considering Architectural and Structural aspects. In brief, the research aims to address the potential in using advanced building structural systems, here presented as innovative Perforated Load-bearing Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls and in addition the process of investigation of sustainable aspects such as design for new architecture image. The proposed methodology it is intended to cover generalizing theories-literature review followed by an analytical, technical and practical study. Many tall buildings champion technology, exploration or innovation by embodying certain physical forms. Therefore it is intended to present a new way of using the vertical structural element of shear wall, that with different arrangements of opening systems. The main focus will be high rise buildings since they cover both aspects of visual and rationality in design, giving the opportunity at the same time to enrich the aesthetic vocabulary of tall buildings via perforated shear wall panels. Several innovative sustainable tall buildings using perforated concrete exterior shell such as O-14 Tower in Dubai, COR Building in Miami and Mikimoto Ginza 2 in Tokyo, are being subjected to analysis. They do confirm a better understanding with regard to the performance of Exoskeleton Concrete Shell Element. Some of them representing technology as extract and achievement of the new era, some representing building process and others transparence and layering of the building. By the beginnings of the 21st century, perforated building envelope set a global contemporary architectural trend, by a significant change of techniques, technologies, functions and materials. Nowadays the contemporary perforated buildings, partially or fully perforated, represent an increasing phenomena. The new trend can be perceived to some extent as an architectural leap of perforation as it has emerged in conjunction with digital technologies or as an increased collaboration among professionals in a co-design. Accordingly, the contemporary trend gives the opportunities to rethink of the future advancements in building envelope in terms of shape, form and performance. Although careful not to advocate the necessity of incorporating exposed structure into a building, it presents a vision of structure as a potentially exciting architectural element, and one that should always be integral with the design concept. Precedents in the research aims in trigger designers imaginations and suggest ways for them to further develop their individual ideas.

Keywords: exoskeleton, perforation, building envelope, architecture image

Edition: Volume 8 Issue 10, October 2019,

Pages: 1394 - 1400