Transformation procedures in the typology of tall buildings

A series of interventions aimed at facing the introduction of new requirements can be recognized during the life cycle of every existing building. In order to prevent its natural obsolescence, these interventions (which involve both technological system and physical components) are mainly related to the necessary updating tied to the evolution of environmental conditions, the changes of users’ needs and the advances in technology as well. The main factors of obsolescence can be identified in the following themes: - change of environmental conditions - change of the performances required - change of technologies The relevance of each of these factors is assessed by this paper, and some examples are used to support the methodology proposed. Tall buildings represent a particular building typology, because of their role as a landmark and their economic relevance: that’s why continuous renovations and improvements are necessary. The main systems of a tall building that might be interested by renovations can be identified in the following hierarchical categories: building envelope, internal partitions, mechanicals. In this list the paper focuses on those parameters specifically meant to improve the sustainability of tall buildings recognizing their relevance as a tool to improve the design process.