this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2023
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I have worked in building maintenance and repair. One thing that is extremely hazardous to a concrete building is too much water. I have seen many concrete planters that crack and result in water leaks for lower levels. Standing water in concrete structures is a huge no no. I do not have a lot of experience in engineering on this matter, but whenever I see a solar punk sky scraper with vegetation on its exterior, I think "cool, but maintenance and inspection must be horrible! Repairs must cost a fortune when those roots and moisture degree the concrete."

What engineering controls does one need to create a durable structure while exposed to constant moisture needed for vegetation, and the vegetation itself? I know there are green sky scrapers with gardens all over. What is the maintenance of those structures? Do they hold up\last as long as bare concrete structures?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Christopher Alexander picked the Four Story Limit for aesthetic and mental reasons – but historically, older buildings were generally limited to four stories because of climbing too many stairs – the six to eight story limit of most European city cores comes from the introduction of the first elevators that couldn’t really handle more than six stories