In this blog post, we will examine whether high-rise buildings are a symbol of progress or an addiction of modern life from various perspectives.
The word “addiction” was originally used mainly in reference to drugs, but its meaning has expanded significantly in modern times. Nowadays, smartphones, televisions, and even certain lifestyles and consumption patterns fall into the category of addiction. The dictionary defines addiction as “a pathological condition resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, etc., that makes it impossible to function without them, or a state of being so absorbed in an idea or thing that one is unable to judge things normally.” If we think about it, we can apply this word to various situations. For example, modern people cannot do their work or even live their daily lives smoothly without high-tech electronic devices. This can be seen as a kind of addiction to high technology. As such, addiction is prevalent throughout our lives.
This phenomenon is also evident in the world of architecture. A prime example is the obsession with building taller and taller skyscrapers. Cities such as Dubai, Hong Kong, and New York are already dominated by skyscrapers over 60 stories high. Some buildings, such as the Burj Khalifa and Shanghai Tower, are over 500 meters high. These high-rise buildings are not simply used for observation or viewing, but are also used as actual living spaces. In South Korea, most newly sold apartments are ultra-high-rise residential buildings exceeding 40 stories. Humans are obsessed with the desire to reach higher and higher places.
So why do we build tall buildings and live in them? There are many reasons, but first and foremost, we needed space to accommodate a larger population in a limited area. Apartments first appeared to house workers during the Industrial Revolution. At that time, the population of European cities exploded due to rapid industrialization, and apartments were developed to solve this problem. Early apartments were low-rise buildings of four or five stories, but with the development of construction technology, they became taller and taller. Apartment culture spread throughout the world, and apartments were built on a large scale to solve population concentration problems, especially in countries that underwent rapid modernization. South Korea is one such country, and large apartment complexes were built in Gangnam and the suburbs of Seoul to accommodate the city’s population.
These apartment complexes led to the development of commercial districts and cultural facilities, bringing economic prosperity as more people moved in. As a result, high-rise buildings have become not only practical residential facilities but also an important factor in promoting economic activity. However, there are also negative views on large apartment complexes. In particular, there are concerns that they are reducing the aesthetic appeal of cities.
Most apartments built in the early 2000s were box-shaped rectangles, which were criticized for resembling birdcages and spoiling the cityscape. With the revision of building laws, apartment designs were improved, and buildings with more sophisticated exteriors appeared. In addition, with the popularity of mixed-use buildings, apartments have become more than just living spaces, but also landmarks of cities. Now, residential-commercial complexes are being built as skyscrapers, filling the entire city with high-rise buildings. This goes beyond mere practicality and serves to enhance the aesthetic value of the city.
The human desire and addiction to high places has existed since ancient times. For example, the pyramids of ancient Egypt, the Tower of Babel, and the cathedrals of medieval Europe all symbolize man’s aspiration to reach the sky. These buildings were built based on religious beliefs and reflect the human desire to get closer to the gods in the sky. Representative examples include the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which were built using the best architectural techniques of their time. These buildings are recognized not only for their height but also for their artistic value, and remain popular tourist attractions today.
High-rise buildings have not lost their appeal even in modern times. However, we need to consider the problems that this obsession brings. High-rise buildings clearly contribute to the economic and social development of cities, but there are also negative effects. For example, most people who live in tall buildings belong to the upper class, and this is considered a symbol of wealth. In movies and TV dramas, characters often appear living in penthouses on the top floors of these high-rise buildings, which are used as a device to show off their wealth and power. On the other hand, ordinary people have difficulty accessing these high-rise buildings, which is a factor that further exacerbates social inequality.
A more serious problem is the impact of high-rise buildings on the natural environment. These buildings change the city skyline and often disrupt the harmony with the surrounding environment. The numerous straight lines used in buildings destroy the beauty of nature’s curves, and many natural resources are consumed to produce building materials. This process causes environmental destruction and can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Although attempts are being made to construct eco-friendly buildings, this is not a fundamental solution. Ultimately, the construction of tall buildings is an expression of humanity’s desire to dominate nature, which can undermine efforts to coexist with nature.
Therefore, we need to consider both the positive and negative aspects of our obsession with tall buildings and seek more balanced urban development. New methods of construction and urban planning are needed to promote urban development, protect the environment, and eliminate social inequality.
