RE: Vertical Architecture : The Role of Skyscrapers in the 21st Century
Some very good Ideas here. But you seem to over look the obvious. In stead of going up; Why not go down. While it is not a new concept, it has been mostly used with a survivalist mentality. There are many benefits to going down. First and foremost is the geo-thermal constant. After so many feet down the temperature remains the same at approximately 70 degrees F. With advances in fiber optics sunlight could be transferred hundreds of feet under ground. As far as earthquakes or ground shift goes; shock absorbers could be utilized around the perimeter of the structures. They would be no less safe than a skyscraper. Even better , you would have to worry about plummeting thousands of feet to your death. Being buried alive is an issue that would have to be resolved though.
Great thoughts and ideas here @roswellrockman! I think one of the biggest hinderances here would be cost. Excavating below-ground is insanely expensive when you compare with constructing above-ground. You're dealing with so many unknowns below grade. Perhaps, you could argue that there's a geothermal benefit that may (one day) outweigh the burden of the construction costs. We'll see!