InfrastructureLos Angeles revises rule requiring flat rooftops for skyscrapers
For more than forty years, the building code in Los Angeles required skyscrapers to have flat roofs in order to facilitate helicopter landing in cases of emergency. Now, however, with newer technological advances and techniques that enable Angelinos to be safe during an emergency, the flat-roof code is seen as outdated, and it was changed on Monday. Instead of helicopter pads, skyscraper designers will now focus on other safety features, including special elevators for fire fighters, special exit stairwells, advanced sprinkler systems, and video surveillance technologies.
After a long tradition of only allowing flat-topped skyscrapers in building codes, the city of Los Angles, California is heralding a new change that will allow for pointed-roof skyscrapers to be built — potentially altering the entire cityscape in future generations.
As Governing reports, Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti announced the rule change on Monday, going in the face of a longstanding tradition that enforced by a fire safety rule.
The practice first began when the concern arose with fire safety officials that helicopters would not be able to land atop pointed skyscrapers.
Now, however, with newer technological advances and techniques that enable Angelinos to be safe during an emergency, some are seeing the practice as outdated.
“One more stupid rule in Los Angeles,” said Garcetti.
For many years architects had complained about the measure, arguing that it stifled their creativity and that of urban planners looking at the totality of the aesthetic presentation of the city.
L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar, who represents a large section of the downtown area, agreed, saying that buildings would no longer be “stuck in the past.”
“After decades of drab, flat-roofed designs the skyscrapers of tomorrow will be bold, unique and imaginative,” he said.
Instead of helicopter pads, skyscraper designers will now focus on other safety features, including special elevators for fire fighters, special exit stairwells, advanced sprinkler systems, and video surveillance technologies.
While fire officials also cite reports from skyscraper disasters such the attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers on 11 September 2001, which show that there is no need for helicopter pads to ensure evacuation, the decision mainly comes down to Los Angeles wanting to compete with the distinctive skylines of cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and nearby San Francisco.
“Anyone who’s been to [those cities] can see how the tops of buildings can help to define the identity of a city,” said former City Councilman Mike Woo, one of those who first pushed to end the regulation.
The announcement was preceded by a working group convened by Garcetti and officials from both fire and building departments. Going forward, if builders can meet other safety codes, then they will no longer be required to create a helicopter landing pad at all.
The previous ruling had dated back to 1974.
The news has many architectural and creative industries particularly excited.
“The sky’s the limit now,” said Chris Martin, the chairman and CEO of the AC Martin architectural firm.