Architectural Designs

Why did renowned green architect Ken Yeang say this?

Ken Yeang, a renowned green architect who designs green skyscrapers and wrote many books on them said that "the skyscraper building type is probably the most ecologically unfriendly of all building types, but until an economically viable alternative is identified, it is necessary to make them as humane and as sustainable as possible." Why does he think they are the most ecologically unfriendly? What are your thoughts? (Look up the book "Eco Skyscrapers" on Amazon.com and scroll down to the Product Description)

Public Comments

1. Perhaps it is just because most skyscrapers out there are not green, since during their design some few decades ago, the designers had no intention of making them even remotely green. Green has just never been a consideration until quite recently. But really, the skyscraper in general seems pretty friendly to me, at least compared to a suburban house. I mean, they're tall and skinny so they don't contribute to urban sprawl, and all of the units are packed together which makes heating and cooling more efficient. Who knows...
2. You have to understand the definition of "green". Being "green" is not restricted to using recycled or earth friendly materials. It also encompasses the health and welfare of the inhabitants. By nature of a skyscraper, only the exterior perimeter units will receive sunlight and natural ventilation. Most of these buildings compensate by using mechanical means and artificial lighting. This leads to additional tax on energy requirement, plus the off gassing of construction materials are then recycled through each floor. The large open exposure of glass tends to experience heat gain/loss.