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Diagonal grid helps skyscraper clinch award
A building that makes extensive use of recycled steel in its structure has been named as the Emporis Skyscraper Award.
The seventh annual awards recognised Hearst Tower in New York City as the most outstanding achievement in the building trade for skyscrapers. The award will be presented in May.
One of the unique aspects of Hearst Tower is the fact that it uses no vertical steel beams above the base, being constructed with a diagonal grid system in place. This not only reduces the amount of steel needed, but subsequently saves on construction costs.
The creative design of the building gives it what has been termed an "origami" effect by Emporis and it is both innovative and practical.
Hearst Tower triumphed over 467 other skyscrapers, with its environmentally sound focus, which "set an example to other buildings", one of the outstanding features of the build.
Two buildings from the UK featured in the top ten, with Manchester's Beetham Tower - the tallest building in the UK outside London - coming in sixth.