Scientists predict 2018 may be a tumultuous year for earthquakes. (Source: Take Two)

As structural damage is the leading cause of injury and deaths during an earthquake, architects, engineers and builders need to make sure buildings are built with the right materials and design.  

SEE ALSO: What it Takes to Build a Natural-Disaster-Proof House

The Materials

The most dangerous type of earthquakes are ones that trigger horizontal movements, because tall buildings are better at resisting vertical loads than horizontal ones. These ground motions can damage building foundations in a matter of minutes, causing severe injuries and deaths. Building a structure to withstand seismic waves starts with the right materials with the right properties, and steel is by far the most widely used material for building earthquake-resistant buildings.

According to the World Steel Association, ductile buildings are safer as they dissipate energy from seismic waves. A building will typically have ductile parts that can undergo plastic deformations without complete structural failure during an earthquake. Steel is the most common type of material for such parts.

Moreover, due to the law of inertia, the lighter the building, the less force seismic waves will exert on the building. That’s why it’s important, especially for taller buildings, to be made of light and flexible materials such as steel that can “bend” with the movement of earthquakes. On average, multi-story steel buildings are 60 to 70 percent lighter and 10 times stronger than concrete-framed buildings of the same size.

The Design

With steel, builders can add vital designs and reinforcements to keep the structure standing through an earthquake. Here’s some of the most widely-used measures.

Cross braces transfer the force of an earthquake to the ground. (Source: Earthquakes in India)

The structural integrity of buildings can be reinforced with steel cross braces that frame the exterior of a building in an x-shape. Ultimately cross braces can transfer the force of seismic waves back down to the ground, instead of letting the building take the hit. Builders can also reinforce the walls of buildings with additional vertical walls, or shear walls, that add stiffness to the frame of the building, allowing it to resist swaying or horizontal movements.

Base isolators absorb much of the shock of seismic waves. (Source: Embelton)

Base isolation involves separating the building from the foundation so that the isolators to absorb shock from the earthquake. The isolators allow the building to move at a slower pace because they dissolve a large part of the shock. Moment-resisting frames also effectively dissipate energy from floors and roofs to the building’s foundation and the stiff yet flexible frames can change shape during an earthquake. Although more costly, moment-resisting frames enable buildings to withstand an earthquake with excessive horizontal movement.

Putting it into practice with POSCO’s Steel House

In September 2017, Young Bae Kim’s home in Gyeongju province, Korea was hit with a 5.8 magnitude earthquake, just 8.9 km from where the earthquake started. Surprisingly, Kim’s home was unscathed. “I could feel the ground shake, but the house was completely under control.” Kim expressed.

Kim lives in one of the Steel Houses built by POSCO employees who volunteer to build homes and bridges for communities in need. Each Steel House is made with POSCO’s lightweight structural steel known for its durability, fire resistance and vibration resistance. The homes also incorporate PosMAC, a specialized galvanized steel that is 5 to 10 times more corrosion-resistant than standard steel and is more durable and affordable.

POSCO Employees volunteer their time to build steel houses in rural communities.

Because all the Steel Houses survived the Gyeongju earthquake while other homes were damaged, more and more people in Korea are choosing steel for their homes over traditional building materials such as wood and concrete. The same trend can be observed in Japan, where earthquakes are much more frequent. In order to build more earthquake-resistant buildings, steel is still the best solution available.

Cover photo courtesy of CNN.

However, these building projects are on another level of huge, and with all the megacities popping up throughout the country, China boasts many of the biggest infrastructure projects in the world. Here’s the Steel Wire’s look at some of the most impressive to date.

Three Gorges Dam

China is home to the largest dam in the world, measuring 1.5 miles in length and sitting 60 (!) stories tall. The Three Gorges Dam took 1.92 million tons of rolled steel to complete, along with 10.82 million tons of cement and 1.6 million cubic meters of timber. The dam opened in 2003 on the Yangtze River and last year, generated a record-high 97.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, 4.35 percent higher than the previous year.

The Three Gorges Dam is the biggest dam in the world and is made up of 1.92 million tons of steel. (Source: Wikipedia)

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) was the second largest and busiest airport in the world in 2016, just behind the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the U.S. PEK recorded 94,393,454 passengers that flew in and out in 2016, a 5 percent increase from 2015, and is easily the biggest airport in all of Asia.

Beijing Capital International Airport is the biggest airport in Asia, and second in the world. (Source: Top China Travel)

The first phase of the airport cost USD 3.5 billion and was completed in 2008, but in order to handle the growing number of passengers, an expansion project is planned for 2025. The estimated 5-year project will almost double PEK’s capacity and cost an additional USD 13 billion.   

Jiaozhou Bay Bridge

China is also home to the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. The massive structure stretches over 26.4 miles and connects the cities of Qingdao and Huangdao. The 110ft width accommodates 6 traffic lanes that are supported by 5200 steel pillars.

The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is held up by 5200 steel pillars. (Source: Feel the Planet)

The bridge first opened in 2011 and took USD 2.3 billion and over 10,000 workers to build. The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge also took 450,000 tons of steel to complete, allowing the bridge to be able to withstand earthquakes up to 8.0 in magnitude, typhoons and the force from a 300,000-ton object.  

Jiuquan Wind Power Base

Not surprisingly, the largest wind farm in the world located in China. Jiuquan Wind Power Base is made up of 7,000 turbines that generate enough electricity to sustain a small country. The plant was approved in 2008, and the government has pledged an additional USD 17.4 billion by 2020 as part of the effort to develop China’s renewable energy industry. For now, only 3.3 percent of all the electricity generated in China comes from wind turbines. With the additional investment, Jiuquan Wind Power Base will be able to generate a massive 20 gigawatts of sustainable electricity.

The Jiuquan Wind Power Base generates enough energy to power a small nation. (Source: The New York Times)

New Century Global Center

What does the biggest building in the world look like? A mini country. Located in Chengdu, Sichuan province, the New Century Global Center combines a shopping mall, water park, hotels, movie theaters, offices, restaurants, ice rink and more into 19 million sq.ft. of space. The structure is made of glass and steel and measures 500 meters long, 400 meters wide and 100 meters high. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, it even has artificial sun for the perfect weather, 24 hours a day.

The New Century Global Center located in Chengdu is the largest city in the world. (Source: Thousand Wonders)

Port of Shanghai

The world’s biggest ports are mostly located in China, and the biggest one is the Port of Shanghai. In 2012, 744 million tonnes of cargo and 32.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of steel containers passed through the port. The entire area of the port on the Yangtze River covers 3,619km² comprised of 3 main ports: Wusongkou, Waigaoqiao and Yangshan Deep-Water Port. About 25 percent of China’s trade passes through the Port of Shanghai, or 2,000 steel container ships per month.

The Port of Shanghai is the largest port in the world and a quarter of China’s trade passes through it. (Source: Thomson Reuters)

Most recently, the 4th phase of the Yangshan Deep-Water Port was completed, making it the largest automated port in the world. It spans across 2.23 million square meters, and can automatically handle 4 million standard containers per year, or 25 per hour. It was also built to accommodate the heaviest ships in the world.

China is using its steel to build up the country’s infrastructure, and set world records along the way. Besides being impressive in size, the structures are expected to contribute to greater connectivity and economic prosperity throughout China.

Cover photo courtesy of Morgan Stanley.

For the International Broadcasting Center (IBC) completed last April, builders used POSCO’s Pos-H steel. Building parts were made by precisely cutting and welding the hot-rolled steel plates and thick plates. Pos-H is custom-made for structures and does not produce any waste unlike existing hot-rolled shape steel with fixed dimensions. In addition, POSCO’s dry fire-resistant cladding technique was applied to all the pillars of the IBC. The dry fire-resistant cladding technique eliminates the process of applying fire-resistant paint to pillars for fire prevention, and instead, fire-resistant materials are wrapped around the pillars.

The Media Residence that will house reporters during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics resembles a steel showroom due to its impressive design. PosMAC, which is over 5 times more corrosion-resistant than general galvanized steel sheets as it is coated with zinc, magnesium and aluminum, was specially printed to bring to life the fiber texture. PosMAC was used for the exterior of the bathrooms and walls for durability as well as artistic value. The surface steel plates plated with aluminum and zinc, called ALZASTA was treated to achieve a glittering spangle pattern texture and applied to the residence fire doors, valve enclosures and hallways. PossSD, stainless steel with a level of reflectivity equal to that of a mirror, was used inside the bathrooms.

The Media Residence was completed on December 15, after 8 months of construction. All of the 300 rooms were prefabricated in a factory and assembled at the site. This is known as modular construction. It reduced the construction period by 18 months compared to building with general concrete. More than anything else, modular construction makes it possible to move the structure to another location and reuse it. In this respect, modular construction is regarded as the best choice for the facilities that will be removed after the Winter Olympics. The Media Residence will be reused as a hotel or dormitory.

Finally, the Kwandong Hockey Center’s exterior walls are made of 329LD POSCO stainless steel, which is highly corrosion-resistant and robust. POSCO provided the structural analysis by calculating the optimal thickness for the walls and reduced the thickness by 25 percent.  

After the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics, POSCO will continue to provide construction solutions through is WPP and technologies for its partners.  

Cover photo courtesy of Heerim.

Upcycling ensures that resources are used to their fullest extent, minimizing the number of trips made to the landfill. Vivian Kim, a travel writer, takes us deeper into this topic and introduces two examples of upcycling architecture from her time in both Korea and the Netherlands.

Steel, an Ideal Material for Upcycling

Steel is 100% recyclable, which makes it one of the most ideal materials for upcycling. Other construction materials, such as wood and plastic, can only be recycled a limited number of times before they lose its original properties and functionality and need to be downcycled (recycled into a material that is of lower quality than the original material). Steel, on the other hand, never loses its original quality. In fact, it can even increase in value and be upgraded to a higher grade of steel with the same amount of energy it would take to recycle it.  

High-strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steel being recycled. (Photo courtesy of Recycling International)

Steel is also reusable. Entire buildings made of steel can be reused or have their lives extended by years, just by making small improvements. Because steel can be easily reused for its original purpose, there is less of a need to use raw materials from scratch, allowing for more sustainable construction.

Let’s take a look at some of the most widely recognized pieces of upcycling architecture in the Netherlands and Korea.   

Amsterdam’s Abandoned Shipyard Reborn as Cultural Hub

Utilizing recycled materials in the design of a building is nothing new. In fact, upcycling in the Netherlands had its beginnings in the 1960’s when a small, social movement began in Jordaan, a well-known neighborhood in Amsterdam. The Dutch began to mobilize the community to protect their historical buildings and prevent constant demolition from taking place. Local governments also recognized the importance of reusing and remanufacturing materials from an economic standpoint and began to push for more upcycling initiatives.

A great example of this is the NDSM ship wharf, the site of the former Dutch Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station, the NDSM was once one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world. However, a shortage of shipbuilding orders led to the company’s eventual closure in 1984. The abandoned shipyard soon became the breeding grounds for “city nomads” and local artists to take their place and breathe new life into the empty buildings. Through their efforts, the NDSM quarter was transformed into what is now a cultural hotspot in Amsterdam.

The NDSM ferry stop in Amsterdam Central.

As soon as visitors step off the ferry, they are greeted by what looks like a scene from an eerie, sci-fi movie. The NDSM ship wharf is full of gray, bleak buildings covered with graffiti and steel containers that are painted bright red and blue.

The former NDSM wharf is now Amsterdam’s newest creative hot spot.

Crane Hotel Faralda in the Sky of Amsterdam

At the center of the NDSM wharf stands a monumental, 50-meter-high crane called Crane 13. It is painted in red, blue and yellow, the signature colors of Dutch artist Mondrian. Built in 1951 by Hensen Ltd., it was one of the largest cranes in the world but slowly faded from the public’s memory with the closure of the shipbuilding company.

The Crane Hotel Faralda, transformed from a rusty, old crane into a luxurious high-end hotel.

In the spirit of upcycling, the 60-year-old rusty crane was transformed into the Crane Hotel Faralda in 2013 despite immense technical challenges. The hotel, named after a female Dutch spy who saved hundreds of people during World War II, is made entirely of steel.

As a crane’s main purpose is to lift heavy objects, only the strongest of steel is used to build it. For this reason, High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel (HSLA) is often employed. It contains 0.05% of carbon and other raw materials such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium – the secret behind its enhanced strength. HSLA steel is also more resistant to atmospheric corrosion, enabling Crane 13 to withstand the strong Netherland winds of the North Sea for over 60 years.

In the following time-lapse video, watch how the rusty crane transforms into an iconic symbol of the NDSM quarter and one of Europe’s most unique and sensational hotels.

An old rice mill transforms into one of Seoul’s hotspots

Another example of upcycling that shifts the culture can be found in the quaint neighborhood of Seongsu-Dong, South Korea. Known as the “Brooklyn of Seoul”, Seongsu-Dong is known for its trendy and hip cafes embedded in between old warehouses and factories. Its roots can be traced back to the 1970s where steel, leather and printing factories once dominated the streets. But, beginning in 2010, a wave of cafés, galleries, and studios began to break into the bleak space, transforming the once gray industrial district to a colorful vibrant scene brimming with new sights and sounds.

Daelim Warehouse in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. (Photo courtesy of Daelim Warehouse)

Hidden within the streets of Seongsu-Dong is the Daelim Warehouse, an old rice mill that has in recent years, been upcycled into a multi-cultural hub that doubles as a café and performance/exhibition venue for the artist community. From the bare concrete walls to the metal rod ceiling structure, it retains the distinct flair of a warehouse, cultivating a special atmosphere that has people flocking to it on a regular basis. Because of its unique interior, it has even been acknowledged as one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Seoul.  

[clickToTweet tweet=”Upcycling is more than just a passing fad – it will continue to be an integral part of a sustainable lifestyle.” quote=”Upcycling is more than just a passing fad – it will continue to be an integral part of a sustainable lifestyle.” theme=”style6″]

From the NDSM quarter in Amsterdam to the Seongsu-Dong neighborhood in Seoul, upcycling has become a worldwide trend improving our surroundings as we live, create and build. Just as steel has been with mankind for thousands of years, it will continue to play a crucial role in recycling, reusing and upcycling.

Cover image courtesy of Crane Hotel Faralda

Daniel Libeskind says, “[I]n buildings that move us, there’s an element of care. It’s not a question of whether a building makes us feel good or bad. It’s about being moved. It’s something that goes very deep.”

Take a look at these three unique buildings that used steel in creative ways. Most architects and engineers work to hide the steel underneath the walls and floors, but these three architecture firms brought the steel to the exterior – and to dramatic effect. Even if you have never seen or been in these buildings, we can all imagine what it would be like. Try to focus on the emotions you may feel when you read about the buildings and tell us about it in the comments below.

Zaha Hadid’s Investcorp Building, Oxford University

The Investcorp Building, located in Oxford University’s St. Antony’s College, is part of the school’s Middle East Center. Named after the investment firm that donated £11 million to have it built, the building includes a library, classrooms, and offices. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, considered to be one of the most famous avant-garde contemporary architects of our time, the project has evoked a multitude of emotions from those on campus.

Zaha Hadid’s Investcorp Building at Oxford University stands out among the Victorian buildings surrounding it. (Photo courtesy of Forgemind ArchiMedia)

Conspicuously different from the other Victorian buildings found on Oxford’s campus, the Investcorp Building has brought out supporters and detractors. Some said that it “Looks like a beached whale,” or “No, a crashed airplane.” While some of Hadid’s supporters, like the center’s director Eugene Rogan said, “Every line meant something. It bends the brain. I’m in love with this building and I can’t hide it… there’s something Daliesque about it.” The Independent even went so far as to say that it was “undoubtedly Hadid’s most intriguing small building.”

The glass walls underneath the Investcorp Buildings allow students to see the grounds of Oxford University campus. (Photo courtesy of Forgemind ArchiMedia)

Many will argue that the building does not blend in well with its surroundings on Oxford’s campus, but it is also hard to deny the precision and expertise that went into the design. Love it or hate it, Hadid’s Investcorp Building is one that will fuel debate for decades to come.

Turkey’s Raif Dinçkök Yalova Cultural Center

The modern Raif Dinçkök Yalova Cultural Center was designed by Istanbul’s Emre Arolat Architects. It is a mini-city in a box with different multi-purpose facilities inside that are connected by a vast maze of ramps and walkways.

Its unique exterior is made of corten steel, short for “corrosion resistance” and “tensile strength,” a type of weathering steel that has no need for painting. Over time it develops a rust-like appearance while maintaining its resistance to atmospheric corrosion.

Turkey’s Raif Dinçkök Yalova Cultural Center uses weathering steel to striking effect. (Photo courtesy of ArchDaily)

The intentionally rusted facade offers a blank canvas for the city and serves to heighten expectations of what might be inside.

Arch Daily says, “The surface, which is also suitable for recycling, acts as a natural palette, containing the changes it will go through, like the color and tone changes caused by oxidation. This movement will make the relationship between the city and the building more interactive.”

Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

Frank Gehry’s stainless steel Walt Disney Concert Hall remains one of the famous architect’s most well-known works – as well as one of the most famous buildings in LA. Architectural Digest called Gehry the “most important architect of our age,” and the LA Times said that “Disney Hall accomplishes all the things Gehry has become famous for and all the things he was supposed to be incapable of doing.” The stainless steel jutting out into the landscape is both striking but soft.

“Ten years after its debut, it remains the city’s greatest room.” -Christopher Hawthorne, LA Times

Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Music Hall has become one of LA’s most well-known landmarks. (Photo courtesy of Milo & Silvia in the world)

Some patrons have argued that entry into the hall is rather abrupt as one must move from the sidewalk directly into the lobby, with little fanfare. Then, having entered the hall, even the lobby is considered “narrow and asymmetrical.” But Gehry seemingly did this on purpose “in an effort to save the architectural and emotional payoff for the moment when you walk into the auditorium itself.” He realized that this building was to be a monument to the music and musicians that played there, and so he wanted the focus to be on that aspect – minimizing the rest for emotional effect.

What do you think of these buildings? Tell us about some other buildings that sparked an emotional response in you.

*Cover image: Walt Disney Music Hall, photo by Prayitno.

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Korea has been experiencing more than 30 earthquakes on average every year since it began its first seismic observation in 1978. With that said, Korea has never been safe from earthquakes. When the strongest earthquake in Korea’s history (with a magnitude of 5.0) hit Ulsan, many people felt chaos as windows and plates broke into pieces and objects fell off shelves.

If you take a glance at earthquake-related news around the world, the damage for some countries end only at a few buildings collapsing, even when hit by an extremely forceful earthquake with an 8.0 magnitude. But for other countries, such as Italy – which was struck by a very strong earthquake recently – citizens must suffer through a greater number of casualties and even destructions of complete cities.

The difference is due to the seismic designs of newly-built architecture and the seismic retrofits of existing architecture. These advances show the importance of earthquake-resistant steel when it comes to modern architecture built from using rebar and steel frames.

This article explains the concept of seismic designs and seismic retrofit, and examines the current status of earthquake-resistant steel that continues to evolve.

Architectural design that resists earthquakes

Earthquakes force impacts architecture, and earthquake loads, which are known as inertial forces caused by ground motion, can focus its load on a particular layer or particular structural components due to an unexpected movement from non-structural elements or horizontal/vertical structural irregularity. Thus, it is crucial for every seismically-designed structure and its structural components to secure a certain level of strength to endure earthquakes. Not only that, every structure must also be ductile enough in order to flexibly respond to the violent shaking of earthquakes.

Earthquake-resistant design not only allows structures to remain safe even after a quake hits, but also considers earthquake loads during the design process. The quake-resistant design includes seismic structure, vibration control and vibration isolation.

Seismic structure refers to strengthening the building interior’s horizontal axis in order to reinforce the structure’s endurance for the building’s side-to-side vibration caused by earthquakes. Though sturdy and stable, the disadvantage of seismic structure is that it increases the weight of the building, which makes it hard to be applied to skyscrapers.

Vibration control is a method that minimizes the shock that a building receives by adhering a special device called a ‘damper,’ which works to reduce the level of earthquake vibration, located in between the building and its horizontal axis. This method is efficient in that the damper can be adhered onto the existing structure, easing the design process.

Vibration isolation is a method that reduces earthquake loads through laying groundwork that separates the building from the shaking surface during earthquakes. Buildings with vibration isolation systems are not affected as much by severely vibrating surfaces, which is why the method is so frequently used for building skyscrapers and bridges.

If you take a look at skyscrapers, most of them are designed in simple shapes such as flat planes, cylinders, square pillars and quadrangular pyramids. Complex designs with many corners may look beautiful from the outside, but they tend to be highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Therefore, the usage of simple designs can be seen as an outcome of attempting to increase the building’s resistance to earthquakes.

Ways to improve the seismic performance of existing architecture

A building with a shear reinforcement truss (a frame structure that connects junctions with pins so that the structural members do not bend) inserted into its architecture.

It was in 1988 when South Korea decided on the criteria for architectural seismic design. As of October 2015, the number of facilities needing seismic design reached more than 105,448, but only 42.4% (44,732) of these facilities have been renewed to be earthquake-resistant (data from the Ministry of Public Safety and Security).

Reinforcement of a reinforced concrete structure’s external bracing (a diagonal component that diagonally connects the upper pillar with the lower pillar).

Therefore, in cases where existing structures need extension work or a function change, more than half of the parts included will need to improve their resistance to earthquakes.

Three ways to improve the seismic performance of existing buildings

1.  Build new earthquake-resistant structural components and increase the strength of their designs.

2.  Improve existing tenacity of structural components through reinforcement, and get rid of components that are weak against earthquakes.

3.  Extract and dispose unnecessary parts so that the overall building weight gets lighter.

Buttress: A structure of stone or brick built against a wall to strengthen or support it.

Lessons learned from the Sichuan earthquake & the evolution of steel

As buildings nowadays continue to get bigger and taller, the role of steel, which is both stiff and ductile, is becoming more important for earthquake-resistant design. In this regard, development of different types of ultra-high strength steel and earthquake-resistant steel is in its active stage.

Such evolution of earthquake-resistant steel has a lot to do with the lessons learned from the big Sichuan earthquake outbreak in 2008, which destroyed the city and cost many lives. The incident was severe enough to cause considerable concern amongst people, and many asked questions such as, “Aren’t we still hopelessly preparing for earthquakes that might occur out of nowhere even though we’re living in the 21st century?” and, “Don’t we need to take a more thorough measure in preparing for earthquakes?

A tuned mass damper, which controls vibration at Taipei 101’s higher floors during earthquakes, can reduce the maximum vibration level by more than a third and is the biggest damper in the world, with a diameter of 5.5m and a weight of 660 tons.

Previously, Steel Structure (SS) or Steel Marine (SM) was used for conventional building, while Steel News (SN) was widely used for earthquake-resistant buildings.

As the importance of earthquake-proof design for skyscrapers continues to rise after the big Sichuan earthquake, more improved earthquake-proof steels began to come to life. These evolved steels include TMCP steel, which has excellent seismic and welding performance, and HSA steel, which is appropriate for building skyscrapers. HSA800 in particular is known for its strong minimum tensile strength, which is 40% higher than that of existing steels used in building structures, as well as 30% lighter in weight. For this reason, HSA800 was used for constructing the Lotte World Tower, which is currently the highest building in Korea.

It would be worth keeping track of the future evolution of steel, which will only get stronger and continue to resist earthquakes.

Quick Fun Facts

An earthquake bolt is a seismic retrofit material, not an architectural decoration.

After the earthquake outbreak in Charleston, West Virginia in 1886, the region applied earthquake bolts on buildings as a post-tensioning method for dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake.

Written by Myongji University’s School of Architecture Professor JaeIn Lee

The opinions expressed in this POSCO Report piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of POSCO.

How POSCO is Making the World Earthquake-Resistant

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While some believe modern architecture is a result of social and political revolutions, others believe it is a result of technological and engineering advancements. No matter which perspective you share, steel has been a part of the construction of homes since the 1920s. Because steel is lightweight and adaptable, it is the perfect material for sturdy frames that are eco-friendly and long-lasting. Steel is also energy-efficient and recyclable. Steel outlasts other building materials, offering improved safety and resistance to wear and mold.

Home, Steel, Home

Here are 7 examples of inspirational residential buildings which incorporate Steel in the Home.

 (Click here for details.)

1. Fallingwater: Frank Lloyd Wright

Fallingwater is famed as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most beautiful works. Constructed around its natural settings, it is made mostly of stone, concrete and steel. Fallingwater features strong horizontal and vertical lines that are characteristic of modern architecture. (Images: http://bit.ly/1K8Do70) 

2. McCraith House: Chancellor and Patrick

Commonly referred to as the Butterfly House for its unique geometric shape, the McCraith House is exemplary of modern architecture. Its steel triangular structure represents the simplification that is prominent in this era of design. (Image: http://bit.ly/1Jjcvu9)

3. The Glass House: Philip Johnson

Thought to be influenced by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House design, the Glass house is an example of early use of industrial materials such as charcoal-painted steel and glass walls. (Image: http://bit.ly/1CIleZy)

4. Schindler Chace House: Rudolph Schindler

The Schindler Chace House was meant to serve as a cooperative living-work space for two young families. Building the hose was almost halted due to the local planning authorities for its radical methods of construction. (Image: http://bit.ly/1MviGym)

5. Farnsworth House: Mies vander Rohe

This glass and steel house was designed as a one-room weekend retreat. It is widely recognized as an iconic masterpiece of International Style of Architecture. (Image: http://bit.ly/1J1xHZN)

6. Lovell House: Richard Neutra

The Lovell House is often described as the first steel frame house in the U.S. The house is simple and minimal, and its strong lines exhibit the themes of modernism architecture. Lovell first commissioned Rudolf Schindler to build his residence, though later chose Neutra for the design. (Image: http://bit.ly/1CIlkAA)

7. Capel Manor House: Michael Manser

Another house of glass and steel, the Capel Manor House was built as a labor-saving replacement for a 26-bedroom mansion, once owned by Jane Austen’s fore family. The steel frame is exposed both internally and externally and the house shows Manser’s interest in geometry. (Image: http://bit.ly/1f5Hx0t)

Steel has been used for some 3,800 years and has played a significant role in civilization throughout the history of mankind. From its use in the ancient weapons and hand tools of Rome and India, to the bridges and modern architectural marvels of today, the metal has been utilized in just about every conceivable way and it is seemingly impossible to imagine a world without it.

Unsurprisingly, as times have changed, so has the way we use steel. Not only has it been a practical material of function, but it has evolved into one of form, too, as a medium of art that transcends eras of historical metal relics to modern design. Nevertheless, many ancient steel artifacts, such as Damascus steel swords or Buddhist sculptures, for example, can be considered works of art themselves; the level of detail and quality of craftsmanship demonstrated in such pieces are spectacular, especially taking into account that they were created without the use of modern technology.

Today, sculpting steel is a form of artistry unlike any other and, in the hands of the right person, the durable, malleable material is capable of being transformed into just about anything the imagination can fathom.

An Artistic Metamorphosis

Contemporary artists of the 1900s continued to expand steel’s boundaries as a medium of art. American artist Alexander Calder changed the course of modern art by developing a pioneering technique to sculpt and twist wire into poetic, abstract shapes to create three-dimensional mobiles that hang in uncanny, perfect balance. Later on in his career, Calder devoted himself to making outdoor monumental sculptures in bolted sheet steel that continue to adorn public plazas across the world. Similarly, Richard Serra, often hailed as the world’s “greatest living sculptor”, also incorporated unconventional, industrial materials to accentuate the physical properties of art in the 1960s. His works, which are primarily large-scale and site-specific that engage with a particular urban or landscape setting, have become known all around the globe and have been the inspiration behind the designs of everything from electronics to fashion.

A Journey through the Art of Steel

Perhaps nowhere is this evolution from function to form more clear than at the POSCO Art Museum in Seoul, South Korea, which, to mark the foundation’s 20^th anniversary, is hosting an exhibition entitled Cheori Cheolcheol: From the Four Devas to Robot Taekwon V until July 7 (after which it will be held at the Pohang POSCO Gallery from July 17 to August 13).

The exhibition, which displays statues, handicrafts and furniture, among other works, from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to modern times, aims to illustrate the past, the present and the future of steel in our everyday lives.

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by “Robot Taekwon V”, a sculpture inspired by an animated superhero robot of the same name popular in the 1970s, by Kim Taek-ki, a young artist who has been in the spotlight for his creative ideas.

Another highlight is “Yeongi”, an extraordinary landscape piece by Seungmo Park. In his Maya series (“illusion” in Sanskrit), of which the work is a part of, Park sketches and cuts two-dimensional contours on stainless steel mesh to create a type of three-dimensionality, which alters the appearance of the works depending on the angles from which they are viewed.

Each of the pieces on display at the POSCO Art Museum allows visitors to experience the diverse and sometimes contradicting aspects of steel, which are both strong and soft, and cold and hot.

By taking a look at the ancient artifacts of the distant past, as well as the futuristic works of contemporary times, it is clear that not only has steel been used for more than a thousand years in daily life, but it has also breathed life into the passion of artists throughout time.

Both individuals and corporations must become more environmentally responsible, being mindful of the levels of waste water, trash and emissions produced both at home and in the office. Considering these factors in the architectural designs of the future, we can ensure a healthy and sustainable planet. Yet, a number of buildings are a step ahead and have already incorporated sustainability into their own designs, setting the precedent for future architectural endeavors. On this World Environment Day, let’s take a look at a few of them.

Northeast Asia Trade Tower (NEATT)

Standing 68 stories tall, the Northeast Asia Trade Tower in Songdo International Business District, Incheon, is the tallest structure in South Korea. It is also the crown jewel of POSCO’s leading innovative technology, utilizing revolutionary features such as a 3D exterior design, a seismic force resisting system and high level security and anti-disaster measures.

Yet, NEATT, which is a mix of office spaces, a luxury hotel, serviced residences and retail stores, also serves as a model of sustainable design strategies, carefully balancing energy conservation, increased indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. Its range of passive design strategies, which include daylighting, natural ventilation and energy efficient HVAC systems, as well as its eco-friendly, non-toxic construction materials, have ensured that the skyscraper is not only friendly to the environment, but to its human inhabitants, too.

Monte Rosa Hut

Perched above the skiing mecca of Zermatt, Switzerland, the Monte Rosa Hut is a lodging space used by hikers in route to the summit of the same name on icy glacier treks. The five-story crystal-shaped building was constructed on stainless-steel foundations with a wooden spiral interior covered by a silver aluminum shell. During its construction, materials and workers were transported by train to Zermatt, requiring 3,000 helicopter trips.

The hut uses solar power for about 90 percent of its energy and heat requirements. Excess energy is stored in valve-regulated lead-acid accumulators, which ensure power in all kinds of weather. Large windows allow the sun to heat air inside the building, and melting glaciers in the area provide the lodge’s water supply, which is collected and stored in a nearby reservoir. (Image from http://bit.ly/1AJVsUa)

Meera Sky Garden

Perhaps no other building on this list is as one with nature as the Meera Sky Garden in Sentosa, Singapore. This eye-catching, eco-friendly home was designed by Guz Architects, and it overlooks the island’s harbor.

Divided into four distinctive floors, each of which is covered with a grass roof, the home appears as if it is four separate houses, yet is still seamlessly connected by a natural element. Not only are these garden-like spaces visually pleasing, but the grassy roofs help to keep the interior temperatures at a minimum, saving energy. (Image from http://bit.ly/1ddeBTx)

Pixel

While Pixel’s chaotic, colorful exterior is the first thing one might notice about the small office building in Melbourne, Australia, its sustainable design is what really makes it noteworthy. Some of its design innovations include a panel shade system that allows natural light into the office, while at the same time, reducing glare and heat. More impressively, Pixel utilizes wind turbines to generate its own electricity.

As Australia’s first carbon neutral office building, Pixel was also the first building to ever be granted a perfect score on the country’s Green Star sustainability rating system. (Image from http://bit.ly/1JoxIpS)

Bank of America

When the Bank of America building was erected in Manhattan, New York in 2009, it set the standard for all environmentally responsible buildings to come. Its base-to-roof insulating glass external structure enhances heat insulation while creating a large source of natural light, while the building’s extensive solar panels produce energy for the building.

And the Bank of America knows how to save water. Its greywater system collects and recycles waste from sinks and water fountains into the refrigeration system, while its catchment systems collect and save around 45 inches of rain that fall on the site each year. Such sustainable features landed the skyscraper the LEED Platinum Award, the highest level of the internationally recognized green building rating system.

The Change Initiative

In a city that is seemingly ever under construction, The Change Initiative (TCI), an eco-lifestyle shop that stocks everything from environmentally-conscious detergent to greywater recycling tools, sets itself apart from other buildings in Dubai.

Often noted as one of the most sustainable commercial buildings in the world, the majority of the materials used to create TCI are recyclable. The roof is coated with heat-reflective paint and is embellished with solar panels that generate about 40 percent of the building’s energy, while the building’s outer structure has three times the insulation of the average building. (Image from Gundeep Singh) 

For more information about current worldwide green initiatives and for ways that you can “consume with care,” check out the World Environment Day website.

The mere mention of the city conjures up images such as towering skyscrapers, luxury hotels and mysterious desert dunes.

But compared to its neighboring emirates, this “Miracle in the Desert” has very few gas reserves. As such, Dubai began preparing for the post-oil era long before its onset. The large increases in oil prices after the Gulf War of 1990 encouraged the city to focus its efforts primarily on free trade and has since transformed into a global hub for trade and logistics.

Now, countries throughout the Middle East are looking to Dubai, which is considered the world’s most strikingly modern and prosperous city, as a model of success.

Seeing the potential of the region, POSCO opened its first office in the Middle East in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1975. Later, in 1998, the steel company opened the Dubai presence of its Singapore office, which was promoted as the Dubai office in 2006.

Currently, there are four employees working at this location who oversee POSCO activities in 19 countries: 14 in the Middle East and 5 in North Africa.

In response to changing marketing conditions, the Dubai office is working to increase the sales of products by focusing on reinforcing its solution-based marketing capabilities. It is also working hard to promote POSCO’s innovative solutions to its clients ordering construction projects, and is seeking to create new business opportunities with other Middle Eastern offices of POSCO affiliates.

To get an idea of where the future of POSCO is headed in terms of construction, it only makes sense to take a look at some of Dubai’s most impressive architectural projects of the past which used steel as a construction material. Here are three of them:

Burj Khalifa

Also known as the “Jewel of Dubai”, this 164-story building is the tallest free-standing structure in the world. The building took about five and a half years to build, and used over 31,400 metric tons of steel rebar. Laid end to end, this would stretch over a quarter of the way around the world!

The Burj Khalifa has since become a symbol of the wealth and progress embodied by the Persian Gulf city and currently houses a mix of residential spaces, corporate suites and the Armani Hotel Dubai, the world’s first hotel designed and developed by Giorgio Armani himself.

Princess Tower

(Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Also a record-breaker, the Princess Tower is the world’s tallest residential tower at 414 meters and 107 floors. The building boasts 763 luxury apartments, including a number of penthouse apartments overlooking the Palm Jumeirah, a dramatic artificial archipelago that resembles a palm tree.

Yet the most impressive aspect of the Princess Tower is its grandiose exterior, which includes a decorative dome that sits atop the building like a giant crown. The dome, which was finished in February 2012, has a mast on the top of it, which weighs 110 tons and is made of aluminum and steel.

O-14

(Image courtesy of Archdaily)

O-14’s façade is an inventive merger of structure and solar shading that is based on a perforated exoskeleton that challenges the concept of an office building altogether. The 1,300 openings in the tower’s shell create a sensational show of natural light that allows for a unique and ever-changing interior space, and permits cool air to filter through the building, thus saving energy.

The outer concrete and steel skin of O-14 also play a fundamental role in supporting the inner tower with an array of linking beams. Eliminating the need of interior columns creates more floor space, and as such, more areas for rent.

Considering the fact that Dubai is seemingly always under construction, and in constant pursuit of breaking even more world records, it’s certain that the demand for steel and POSCO’s services will continue to increase.