The first reference book of its kind, Designing Tall Buildings: Structure as Architecture, authored by SOM Structural and Seismic Engineering Partner Mark Sarkisian, is an accessible guide to the fundamental principles of designing high-rise buildings. Each chapter focuses on one theme central to tall building design, providing a comprehensive overview of the related architecture and structural engineering concepts, each illustrated by projects from SOM’s vast portfolio of high-rise buildings.
The book advises on how a particular site’s geology, wind conditions, and seismicity should be considered in a building’s design. This contextual knowledge and analysis guides the development of efficient structural systems that are not only safe, but also constructible and economical. Additionally, Sarkisian addresses the influence of nature in design, and advocates for the integration of structure and architecture to create buildings of superior performance, sustainability, and design excellence.
Originally published in 2016, Designing Tall Buildings is now available in an updated and expanded third edition (April 2026). It features four new chapters, including initial concepts for tall building design, techniques for optimization, considerations for carbon, and the use of alternative materials such as timber. The third edition also includes 300 additional illustrations, and current code requirements and equations.