Highrise in tropics: analyses and syntheses on core system of residential highrise buildings in tropical region

Abstract

This thesis entitled “High-rise in Tropics: Analyses and Syntheses on Core System of Residential High-rise Buildings in Tropical Region” is the study on the space composition of core and circulation systems of high-rise buildings to propose a design of residential high-rise building in the existing project called Star City Thanlyin in Yangon. This attempt is to begin to understand the differences between the positions of core and the composition of circulation systems that may effect the quality of spaces, especially in terms of natural light and ventilation. This thesis begins with a historical approach to study compositions of core system of late 19th century and early 20th century high-rise built mostly in the US. Louis Sullivan’s buildings and texts are therefore chosen to be parts of the analysis. Climate is the given context of the site. In order to propose a residential high-rise for a tropical country like Myanmar, it is necessary to study how the compositions have been done in the countries located above the Tropic of Cancer. Windshell Naradhiwas, designed by Kevin Mark Low and the MET designed by WOHA in Bangkok are two main case studies of possibilities in composing architectural elements that welcome natural light and ventilation in the main circulation spaces. Even though the price per apartment of the projects are higher than Star City Thanlyin, it is hoped that this thesis can bring more possibilities to compose architectural spaces for residential high-rise in the tropical region.