From the watchtower to the smart home: the evolution of high-rise structures in 1000 years

1st
Ancient watchtowers
The first high-rise structures, such as watchtowers, appeared in the Middle Ages. They served for surveillance, defense and control of the territory.



2.
Architectural experiments
During the Renaissance and Baroque, high-rise buildings became the object of architectural experiments. There were towers and bell towers with a unique shape and decor.



3
Industrial high-rises
The industrial revolution of the XIX century led to the appearance of the first high-rise buildings designed for industrial and office needs.



4.
Twentieth-century skyscrapers
The development of technologies such as elevators and steel frames has allowed the construction of taller and more functional skyscrapers.



5
Smart buildings of the XXI century
Modern high-rise buildings are equipped with intelligent control systems that increase their energy efficiency, safety and comfort for residents.




Evolution in numbers

• The first skyscraper "Hewlett-Building" in Chicago (1885) - 10 floors, 42 meters high.
• The tallest building in the world today is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (2010) – 828 meters, 163 floors.
• It is expected that by 2050 in the world will be built more than 200 skyscrapers with a height of more than 300 meters.

Conclusion
High-rise structures have come a long way from ancient watchtowers to modern intelligent skyscrapers. The development of building technologies, architectural solutions and engineering systems constantly expands the boundaries of high-rise construction.
The future of high-rise buildings lies in the introduction of the latest advances such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and adaptive materials. The skyscrapers of the XXI century will become even more functional, environmentally friendly and focused on the needs of residents.