Reaching to the Sky: Research and Design Process of a Skyscraper

The design and construction of skyscrapers has rapidly increased in the last decade. This project results in the architectural design of an iconic hotel on the beach of Barcelona, Spain. Consideration for the surrounding Barcelona architecture, means of egress, structural system, mechanical system, shading design, and heating and cooling loads is incorporated within the floor plan and three-dimensional design of the building. Precedent examples are used to support design decisions. While the hotel is designed in detail, this project also includes the masterplan for the vacant site surrounding the hotel lot.