High Rise

Research Context

The turn of the century brought a renewed interest and confidence in constructing high-rise buildings in a number of major cities around the world. It has become the corporate building type for an increasingly global industry and global architecture. Although many projects slowed, ground to a halt, or were scrapped altogether as a direct result of the worldwide economic downturn, others continued at a pace. This body of work, comprising of 3 integrated parts, looks in detail at these constructions using a combination of both interior and exterior still images and video.

Research Imperatives

Bobby tackles questions about the relationship of high-rise buildings to the city below, the nature of the view, the significance that is culturally placed on the ownership of or access we have to these privileged viewpoints, the activities that take place within them, the companies that demand them and their cultural significance.

Project Methods

The work explores the discourse surrounding notions of power through architectural theory and the observation of a number of architectural/design techniques as well as addressing ideas of representation and spectatorship.