A novel approach to develop vertical city utilizing construction automation and robotics

Abstract

As a sophisticated organism, a city has an essential characteristic, which is the ability to constantly and flexibly transform throughout its lifecycle in response to economy shifts, demographic change, and environmental pressures. Nowadays a number of new developments are claimed in the name of "vertical city", yet few represent this important characteristic. This paper aims to propose a novel approach of vertical city, or in other words Dynamic Vertical Urbanism, featuring constant vertical urban transformation by applying the state-of-the-art construction technologies. First, successful and unsuccessful precedents of building complexes which inspire this novel concept will be analyzed. In addition, building technologies that are crucial to the implementation of this approach will be introduced. As a result, this vertical city concept has the ability to integrate five basic elements of a city: vertical and horizontal circulation systems as its paths, a flexible building envelope as its edges, variable mix-used functional blocks as its districts, sky bridges and roof gardens as its nodes, and the complex itself as a landmark. More importantly, it can change its size, form and function with the help of construction automation technologies and open building principles, and responsively evolve in accordance with social, economic, and environmental shifts in a self-sufficient manner, meanwhile avoiding the risk of being homogeneous with surrounding buildings. Finally, the complex will perform as a series of interconnected components which act together to form a living organism that performs various functions and purposes such as office, residential, commercial, school, hospital, police station, and infrastructure. In conclusion, this report will provide researchers, architects and urban designers with a valuable example for the future vertical city developments and beyond.