Death ray buildings

摘要

This article discusses solar reflectivity of recent skyscraper designs that employ extensive exterior glass paneling, which has caused negative outcomes, such as melting plastic car parts and creating hazardous glare to neighboring buildings and nearby traffic. Solar reflectivity can also raise surface temperatures on adjacent properties and kill vegetation. Building energy modeling can be invalidated if light reflected from neighboring buildings is not taken into account. To date, different death ray buildings or fry-scrapers have made the news. Cases like Vdara Hotel, Walkie Talkie Tower, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the ongoing battle between Museum Tower and the Nasher Sculpture Center.