Main Article Content
Abstract
Rapid urbanization of coastal and riverfront regions has intensified the demand for high-rise buildings capable of simultaneously addressing structural resilience, aerodynamic stability, energy efficiency, and climatic responsiveness. Conventional prismatic tower typologies often rely on internal frame systems and active mechanical controls, resulting in high material consumption, elevated energy demand, and vulnerability to wind-induced stresses. This research proposes a crescent-form high-rise architectural system that integrates a vertically continuous external exoskeleton with a curved aerodynamic geometry to function as both a primary structural framework and a passive environmental moderator.
From a structural mechanics perspective, the crescent geometry operates as a spatial compression shell, redirecting gravity and lateral loads into predominantly axial force paths along the exoskeleton ribs. Analytical load decomposition indicates that bending moments in the primary vertical system are reduced by approximately 25–40% compared to equivalent rectilinear towers of similar height and floor area. Wind-induced lateral displacements are mitigated through geometric stiffness, where curvature increases the effective moment of inertia and distributes wind pressure asymmetrically along the façade, reducing vortex shedding and cross-wind excitation. The exoskeletal system behaves as a continuous load-bearing envelope, enhancing global stability while minimizing reliance on oversized internal cores.
Aerodynamic performance is further improved by the crescent profile, which lowers peak pressure coefficients on windward surfaces and reduces suction zones on the leeward side. Simplified computational wind analysis suggests a 15–30% reduction in base shear and overturning moment relative to flat-faced towers in comparable coastal wind regimes. This geometry-driven wind moderation directly contributes to improved occupant comfort by lowering peak accelerations within serviceability limits.
From an environmental performance standpoint, the curved façade and elevated base create a passive ventilation corridor, enabling pressure-driven and buoyancy-assisted airflow. Interaction between prevailing sea breezes and the concave façade induces localized Venturi effects, increasing air velocity through semi-open podium and atrium zones by an estimated 20–35% under typical coastal wind conditions. This airflow reduces dependence on mechanical ventilation in transitional spaces and enhances thermal comfort.
Solar performance is regulated through self-shading inherent in the crescent geometry. The varying solar incidence angles across the curved façade reduce peak solar heat gain during critical afternoon hours, achieving an estimated 18–28% reduction in cooling load compared to uniform planar glazing. The proximity to water bodies further contributes to microclimatic cooling via evaporative effects and moderated ambient temperatures, particularly during diurnal peak conditions.
The integration of structural efficiency and environmental responsiveness within architectural form demonstrates that geometry itself can function as a primary regulator of performance. Rather than treating structure, climate control, and aesthetics as separate systems, the crescent-form exoskeletal high-rise establishes a unified form-performance paradigm. The study concludes that such geometry-driven systems offer a scalable, resilient, and energy-efficient model for future landmark developments in coastal and riverfront cities, particularly in regions facing increasing wind intensity, rising temperatures, and sustainability constraints.
This research provides a strong conceptual and analytical foundation for further computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, finite-element structural optimization, and empirical validation, supporting its applicability to real-world high-rise design and climate-resilient urban development.