Hybrid structures in challenging architecture

The emergence of new building materials and new construction technologies has changed the face of the building industry. Structural steel, reinforced and precast concrete are now easily accessible and compete in the construction market. However, joining forces, seeking synergy rather than confrontation, is the emerging trend. The result of this trend is a growing number of hybrid structures in use in everyday building practice. Hybrid or mixed construction with precast concrete means combined use with other structural materials, such as steel, timber, cast-in-situ concrete and glass, for the benefit of the building process at large. In the Netherlands two recent examples of this development are the Malietoren office tower, constructed over the motorway entering the city of The Hague, and the 100 m high sloping Belvedere office tower in Rotterdam, where the aim of the architect Renzo Piano to create appealing but competitively priced buildings was realised through hybrid construction. The planned concepts,...