A comparative analysis of space efficiency in skyscrapers: Case studies from the Middle East, Asia, and North America

Özlem Nur Aslantamer; Hüseyin Emre Ilgın

doi:10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i1154

A comparative analysis of space efficiency in skyscrapers: Case studies from the Middle East, Asia, and North America

Authors

Özlem Nur Aslantamer Short Bio Atilim University

Özlem Nur Aslantamer completed her Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture at the School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ankara University, in 2021. With 26 years of combined experience in academia and the professional field of interior architecture & environmental design, she has established a robust foundation in her field. Since 2021, she has been serving as a full-time instructor at Atılım University, dedicating her expertise to both teaching and research endeavors.
Hüseyin Emre Ilgın Short Bio Tampere University

Hüseyin Emre Ilgın received his Ph.D. (2018) in Building Sciences about tall building design in Architecture from METU in Ankara. Since December 2019, he has been conducting post-doctoral research on wood construction at Tampere University. Dr. Ilgın worked as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral research fellow on dovetailed massive wood board elements for 2 years between 2021-2023.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i1154

Keywords:

Middle East, Asia, North America, Skyscraper, space efficiency, comparison

Abstract

This study conducts a critical comparative analysis of spatial efficiency in supertall buildings across three major geographic contexts: the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Through the examination of selected case studies representative of each region, the research investigates the interplay between architectural form, structural typology, and the distribution of usable floor area within vertical structures. The findings reveal significant regional variations in spatial efficiency metrics and core-to-GFA (gross floor area) proportions. In the Asian context, towers predominantly adopt a tapered morphological strategy combined with composite structural systems, resulting in an average spatial efficiency of approximately 68%, with vertical service cores occupying nearly 30% of the GFA. Conversely, Middle Eastern high-rises, typically defined by prismatic massing and monolithic concrete structures, demonstrate a higher spatial efficiency—averaging 76%—with a core-to-GFA ratio of around 21%. North American skyscrapers, frequently employing prismatic or setback configurations alongside reinforced concrete systems, exhibit comparable efficiency rates, with an average of 76% and a similarly proportioned core area. Despite these regional divergences, the analysis identifies a consistent inverse correlation between building height and spatial efficiency, underscoring the technical and spatial challenges associated with height-induced inefficiencies in high-rise design. By elucidating these interregional patterns, the study offers valuable insights into the optimization of vertical spatial organization, contributing to the evolving discourse on high-rise architecture and urban densification.

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Published

2025-04-30

How to Cite

Aslantamer, Özlem N., & Ilgın, H. E. (2025). A comparative analysis of space efficiency in skyscrapers: Case studies from the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, 6(1), 01–19. https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i1154