How in the world is a rotating tower a good idea(video)?

Question

Watch this short video:

http://www.comcast.net/data/fan/html/popup.html?v=777518864&pl=622214722.xml&plc=622214722&launchpoint=Cover&cid=fancover&attr=default_headline&config=/config/common/fan/default.xm

How are people EVEN supposed to get in the building!?

haha

I think this is kind of stupid and possibly unsafe.

What do you think?

Answer 1

It's really cool looking, BUT I agree with you.  I feel like it wouldn't be very safe.  I'd assume the bottom floor doesn't move so people can enter the building.  Then it seems the middle core of the building is where the elevators and stairs would be located.  But I do like the idea that it is green though and has wind turbines between each floor.

Answer 2

Entry into the building would have to be through a centralized column sub-structure. The dynamics involved as far as weight distribution, stability, and the lateral forces from the wind, are as yet untested. Further, the building would have to be constructed from the top down, rather than conventional construction techniques. The general rule in construction is, that if you make it strong enough to begin with, the structure will survive any forces acting upon it. The design parameters will be unique to say the least.

Answer 3

interestingly enough, the building could be potentially more stable than a fixed building, even in an earthquake.  IF designed right, even though turning at a relatively slow speed, the rotating mass of the building could act as a gyroscope and keep it stable, even if the earth below was shaking or moving up to a point!

The energy useage aspect is interesteing, once accelerated up to a constant velocity, it will probably take a lot less energy than you would think to keep it rotating.

There are already a few buildings whose upper floors rotate constantly at a slowspeed.  As long as the speed is not too fast, the elevator interface is not all that difficult and has been done before.

Answer 4

I think you shouldn't call a building "possible unsafe" if you're not an engineer. It's not like they would spend millions on this building and NOT be 100% it's safe.

Answer 5

This thing will never be built.

This "Architect" is not in touch with reality.

The bankers will make sure it never leaves the napkin he "designed" it on.