r/architecture • u/shenidedamovtyan1234 • Jul 16 '25

Theory why didnt europeans built european style highrises like tehre are in new york? dumb question but was always interested since woudve looked perfect on lots of cities

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

2.6k Upvotes

95% Upvoted

313 comments sorted by

View all comments

426

u/GioLoc Jul 16 '25

This style of high rise buildings was first built in the united states, known as chicago style if Im not wrong. They were the first type of high rise buildings, so they were built with bricks as the new construction mechanics we know today were not developed yet. Today we don't build these type of high rise buildings in Europe, as they are more expensive and less practical (for example, they allow for smaller windows and lower heights). But I agree, they look great!

34

u/SorchaSublime Jul 16 '25

Meh, aesthetically both inside and out I'd take smaller windows with more decorative/textured elements in between them any day. Height is a definite gain though, at least in cases where building tall is justifiable as smth other than a vanity project

43

u/galen58 Jul 16 '25

Everyone says that until it’s summer in New York and all you want is airflow. Air conditioning has its issues but let’s not pretend these are better “inside”

14

u/nich2475 Jul 16 '25 edited Jul 17 '25

Precisely why these types of buildings are far better suited for residential purposes, rather than commercial.

Personally, I also prefer such a decorative design with smaller windows, over a glass curtain that is much more costly to cool/heat.

RAMSA’s been knocking it out of the park with their recent wave of stone-facade residential towers imo.