The construction of the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia represents a defining moment in modern architecture, pushing the limits of structural engineering to reach a height of over 1,000 meters. According to John Peronto, managing principal at Thornton Tomasetti and the project’s lead engineer, a defining technical challenge of the skyscraper lies in its interaction with the atmosphere. Roughly one-third of the structure will extend beyond the atmospheric boundary layer—a feat rarely attempted in the history of tall building construction.
Navigating the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
The atmospheric boundary layer, typically extending one to three kilometers above the Earth’s surface, is the region most affected by friction, heat transfer, and turbulence. It is within this zone that standard skyscraper designs are forced to contend with intense surface-driven wind pressures. Peronto notes that as the Jeddah Tower rises above this layer, it encounters a shift in wind dynamics.
While winds at extreme altitudes may occur with higher frequency, the peak loads are often less severe than those found in the lower, more turbulent atmosphere. This counterintuitive reality allows engineers to manage structural stability differently than they would for traditional skyscrapers, such as the Burj Khalifa. The design relies on a tri-legged structural system, which Peronto highlights as a masterclass in efficiency, providing the necessary balance while minimizing the footprint and material usage required to resist enormous gravity loads.
The Challenge of Embodied Carbon
Beyond the structural mechanics, the project highlights the broader industry pressure to address environmental impact. With buildings accounting for 39 percent of global energy-related carbon emissions—11 percent of which is attributed to materials and construction—the focus is increasingly on embodied carbon. Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) emphasizes that the industry must balance architectural ambition with the urgent need for sustainability. Addressing ‘upfront carbon’—the emissions released before a building is operational—remains a critical priority as the World Green Building Council projects this could constitute half of the total carbon footprint of new construction by 2050.
A Spectrum of Urban Growth
While the Jeddah Tower represents the pinnacle of supertall engineering, the broader real estate landscape continues to evolve. In Givatayim, the ‘Beyond Towers’ project recently secured a major 10-year lease with gaming unicorn Moon Active, a deal valued at approximately $110 million. Conversely, historic structures like Sacramento’s 14-story Elks Tower, which recently celebrated its centennial, remind the industry that the legacy of high-rise development is as much about adaptive reuse and cultural preservation as it is about reaching new heights.