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High Rise Buildings

Developers of supertall structures are often visionaries putting their mark on a city’s skyline for generations to come. Making these high rise buildings (HRBs) healthy, safe, and environmentally sound is part of our mission to improve society through the built environment.

Designed for the Future

More than an engineering marvel, modern skyscrapers are a microcosm of the larger metropolis they reflect. Developers, corporations, governmental agencies, organizations, municipalities, and other stakeholders often look at the value of their real estate relative to its long-term impact on their organizations as well as surrounding communities. These buildings are designed and built to positively contribute to their communities over decades and often generations. They are catalysts for additional development while making a statement about the vitality of a region, city, or country.

Multi-Storied History of Innovation

Developers, corporations, governmental agencies, organizations, municipalities, and other stakeholders often look at the value of their real estate relative to its long-term impact on their organizations as well as surrounding communities.

We Understand Butterflies and Buildings

The “Butterfly Effect” describes a relatively minor event– like a time traveler accidentally stepping on a butterfly in prehistoric times– having a major impact on future events. Ripple effects. Building systems are an eco-system unto themselves, complex, intertwined, and interdependent. Our experts understand how to orchestrate and choreograph changes to high rise environments.

The Challenges of Going High

Recent world events have put increased focus on health, safety, and the environment– especially as related to spaces in supertall structures. This just happens to be the same focus ESD was founded on over 50 years ago. For example, our industry leaders provide guidance on HVAC system design and operations best practices that help mitigate risk and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in the context of post-pandemic high-rise commercial office building ventilation performance.

Testimonial Quotes
I think it’s necessary to evaluate a skyscraper at multiple scales, since that’s how we experience it:

from right next to it on the street to from across the river, as well as at all kinds of points in between. It’s important to think of it as an element in a larger skyline, but also as an element in an immediate streetscape.

Paul Goldberger | Architectural Critic, Journalist, Educator

See What Happens When We Work Together

Creativity, insight, partnership. Better spaces to work, to live, and to plan for the future. See our high rise building projects

151 North Franklin Street
Services: Cybersecurity, Eco+Energy, MEP/FP Engineering, Technology
110 North Wacker
Services: MEP/FP Engineering, Technology
Jeddah Tower
Services: Automation, Eco+Energy, MEP/FP Engineering, Technology
320 South Canal Street
Services: MEP/FP Engineering, Technology

News and Events: Our People in Action

The various facets of high rise buildings are reflected in the thought leadership, instructional videos, podcasts, and other information offerings we post regularly. Check out the latest.

Jalayerian and Jensen Talk Stack Effect Mitigation and Smoke Management

This year’s Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings (CCHRB) annual scholarship seminar will focus on recent changes and forthcoming developments in high rise fire and life safety. (Learn more about the CCHRB seminar.)

Transforming the Built Environment One Sensor at a Time

The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized the way we live and work, and the built environment is no exception. (Learn more about the smart building tech.)

Is Your Facility Ready for a Surge in Electric Vehicle Charging?

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) continues to accelerate, many facility owners and operators are faced with keeping pace with meeting the demand for more EV charging stations. (Learn more about the EV charging stations.)

What Solutions to High Rise Buildings Can We Bring to You?

Our engineers, sustainability and technology designers are geared to solve problems unique to your situation. How can we help?

Big buildings need big solutions. How can we help?

Interested in Making a Difference?

Our mission to improve society through the built environment is brought to life through our people. Are you ready to make a difference?

Join Our Team