World Skyscraper Day: Alongside Modern Buildings, We Need Safe, Healthy and Livable Urban Life
By Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed
World Skyscraper Day is observed every year on September 3. Today, skyscrapers are one of the defining features of major cities around the world and a remarkable symbol of progress in modern architecture, engineering and urban civilization. The expansion of vertical urbanization has largely been driven by the need to accommodate growing populations, housing, offices, businesses and various civic activities within limited land. Thus, a skyscraper is not merely an architectural structure; it is also a reflection of the changing realities of modern urban life.
However, as buildings continue to rise higher, an important question deserves our attention: Are we merely constructing structures that touch the sky, or are we also building safe and healthy cities for people? A city's development should not be judged solely by the height of its buildings. The health, safety, environment, mobility and access to emergency services of its citizens should be the true measures of urban development.
Why Vertical Urbanization Is Necessary
Rapid population growth, increasing urban migration and limited land availability are encouraging cities to expand vertically. High-rise buildings can play an effective role in providing housing and employment opportunities for a large number of people within a limited area.
In Bangladesh, the number of high-rise buildings is steadily increasing in Dhaka, Chattogram and other cities. While this can help meet the growing demand for housing, simply constructing more buildings does not constitute planned urbanization. Roads, electricity, water supply, sewage and drainage systems, waste management, public transportation, hospitals, playgrounds and green spaces must be integrated with buildings.
In other words, a skyscraper should not be considered an isolated structure; it should be viewed as part of a broader urban system.
What Should a Healthy Building Look Like?
People spend a significant portion of their lives inside homes, offices, educational institutions and other buildings. Therefore, the indoor environment of a building is closely connected to people's health and comfort.
Adequate natural light, proper ventilation, cleanliness, appropriate temperature and humidity control are important characteristics of a healthy building. Insufficient daylight and poor ventilation can make an indoor environment uncomfortable. Excessive moisture may also contribute to problems such as mold growth.
Therefore, the design of high-rise buildings should not focus solely on external appearance, luxurious lobbies or modern facilities. Ensuring a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for residents and users must also be a priority.
No Compromise on Fire Safety
One of the major risks associated with high-rise buildings is fire. Compared with low-rise structures, evacuating people quickly from taller buildings during an emergency can be more difficult. Therefore, fire safety must not be treated as an issue to be addressed after construction; it must be incorporated into the building's design and construction plan from the very beginning.
Safe emergency stairways, clearly accessible exits, firefighting equipment, alarm systems, emergency lighting and other necessary safety measures must be properly installed and kept operational.
Installing such equipment alone is not enough. Regular inspection, maintenance and practical emergency drills are essential to ensure preparedness. Residents and workers should also be educated about what to do during an emergency. The goal should be to build the capacity to reach a safe location in an orderly manner rather than responding with panic.
Earthquake Risks Must Be Taken Seriously
Bangladesh is not free from earthquake risks. As the number of high-rise buildings increases in densely populated urban areas, the potential risks associated with earthquakes must be considered seriously.
The foundations, structural systems, construction materials and engineering designs of buildings must comply with the required standards. Alongside proper implementation of building codes and regulations, effective supervision of construction work is essential.
Disaster preparedness should not stop at making buildings structurally resilient; residents must also be prepared. Public awareness should be increased regarding how to respond safely during emergencies and where to seek assistance.
Opportunities for Physical Activity
Modern high-rise buildings have made many aspects of urban life more convenient. However, reduced opportunities for walking and prolonged periods of sitting can limit physical activity in urban populations.
Building and residential-area planning should therefore include safe walking spaces, open areas, opportunities for children to play and recreational facilities. Safe and usable stairways should also be an important feature of buildings.
The primary goal should be to create opportunities for people to move naturally and remain physically active in their everyday lives.
Green Spaces for Mental Well-Being
The expansion of concrete-based cities, traffic congestion, noise pollution and increasing distance from nature can affect people's mental well-being. Therefore, alongside high-rise buildings, green spaces and open areas must be preserved.
Tree planting, rooftop gardens, small parks, walking paths and socially accessible open spaces can create a more comfortable environment for urban residents. Planning should also include opportunities for children to play and for older people to walk and rest.
A city is not merely a collection of concrete structures; it is a place where people live their lives. Therefore, urban development must give due importance to the relationship between people and nature.
Safe Buildings for Everyone
A building can only be considered truly safe when the needs of everyone—including children, older adults and people with disabilities—are taken into account.
Balconies, windows, rooftops and stairways should have appropriate safety measures. Accessible entrances should be provided for people with disabilities, while facilities should support easy movement for older adults and provide a safe environment for children.
Building-specific emergency plans should also include assistance for people who may have difficulty moving quickly during an emergency. This is not merely an architectural consideration; it is also a humanitarian responsibility.
Connection with Emergency Medical Services
When illness or an accident occurs in a high-rise building, rapid access to medical assistance is extremely important. There should be arrangements allowing ambulances to reach the building easily.
Emergency contact numbers and information about nearby healthcare facilities should be maintained by building management. Where necessary, arrangements should also be in place to safely move a patient out of the building quickly.
Coordination between building management and emergency healthcare services can make crisis management more effective.
Regular Monitoring Must Continue After Construction
Following regulations during construction is essential, but regular maintenance after a building becomes operational is equally important.
Elevators, electrical connections, fire safety equipment, water systems, gas systems and other critical infrastructure should be inspected regularly. A building should not be constructed safely and then used for years without proper inspection and maintenance.
Over time, different components of a building's structure and equipment require maintenance. Therefore, safety should be regarded as a continuous process rather than a one-time responsibility. An Integrated Approach to Urban Planning in Bangladesh
Given Bangladesh's rapidly urbanizing reality, there is a legitimate need for high-rise buildings. However, this need must be accompanied by well-planned urban management. Accountability is necessary at every stage—from building approval and design to construction, occupancy and maintenance. At the same time, urban planning should incorporate the coordinated expertise of engineers, architects, public health specialists, environmental experts, disaster management professionals and representatives of citizens.
Alongside increasing the number of buildings, the capacity of roads, drainage systems, waste management, green spaces, public transportation and emergency services must also be expanded. Otherwise, even if the number of high-rise buildings increases, the livability of the city will not necessarily improve.Conclusion
World Skyscraper Day is an opportunity to recognize the remarkable progress achieved in modern architecture and technology. However, the significance of this day should not be limited to the aesthetics of skyscrapers or the achievements of engineering. It should also encourage us to reflect on the goals and responsibilities of urban development. As buildings rise higher, the importance of safety and health management must rise with them.We need cities where modern architecture exists without compromising human safety; where advanced buildings coexist with green environments; and where technology progresses without allowing humanity to fall behind. On World Skyscraper Day, September 3, let our commitment be not merely to build structures that reach the sky, but to build cities that are safe, healthy and livable for everyone.Because the true height of a city is not measured by the height of its buildings; it is measured by the height of its people's well-being, safety, dignity and quality of life.
Author: Columnist and Public Health Analyst
Founder and Chairman: Jatiya Rogi Kalyan Society
Email: drmazed96@gmail.com
