New Scientist writes about how skyscrapers of the future will be designed - after what we have learned from the Twin Towers 9/11 disaster.
In addition to better fire proofing, more robust sprinklers and variety of other improved construction materials and techniques, it was neat to see how much technology - old and new - is being discussed. This includes a bunch of heat, smoke and other sensors. It also recommends widespread use of CCTV to monitor where people may be stuck, wired and wireless loudspeakers throughout the building.
What I found interesting is a proposal to develop a "magnetic shaft". It would be dotted with electromagnets and every person in the building would be issued a magnetic life jacket and that would control their descent through the shaft. Why not parachutes? Because they require too much training and are cumbersome and unpredictable in windy conditions.
Talking of tall buildings, here is a neat application of technology at the New York Marriott Marquis. Instead of physically reconfiguring the elevators, technology has provided a much cheaper solution. And if you have stayed or visited there, the wait time for the elevators used to be much worse nuisance than the noise from Times Square below - so even the patrons are much happier.
