Space Efficiency in Tall Hotel Towers

Abstract

Maximizing spatial utilization within tall buildings stands as a paramount planning consideration for ensuring project feasibility, particularly accentuated ins the context of hotel constructions. To date, no comprehensive study has addressed this issue while considering crucial architectural and structural planning factors. This article fills this gap by using a case study method based on data from 31 contemporary tall hotel towers. The findings revealed several key points: (i) central core typology was mostly utilized; (ii) prismatic buildings were the most prevalent forms; (iii) shear-walled frame systems were predominantly employed; (iv) concrete was the preferred choice for hotel construction; (v) the average space efficiency and the ratio of core area to gross floor area (GFA) averaged 81.2% and 16%, respectively; (vi) the range changed from a minimum of 70% to 4% to a maximum of 94% to 28%; and (vii) space efficiency showed an inverse relationship with the height of the building. It is anticipated that this paper will assist architects and structural engineers as well as builders involved in the planning of hotel developments.

Keywords

• tall hotel buildings
• space efficiency
• form
• core planning
• structural system and material