Like is there a specific reason or is it just a design choice? Or do they have so many tall windows to let as much sunlight in as possible?
It just occurred to me since the futuristic full glass look of skyscrapers really stands out against normal building surrounding them.
In: Engineering
One thing that no one pointed out is the architectural style.
We tend to draw a line between traditional and modern architecture. In a nutshell, traditional architecture is constrained by exterior walls being load bearing. Windows are introduced into the walls. More windows means less wall strength and worse heat efficiency, both are problematic in traditional architecture.
In contrast, modern architecture takes advantage of new materials and systems. With the advent of steel frame, my walls do not have to be load bearing any more. With HVAC, I can sacrifice some energy efficiency. This means I can put windows whenever. For an office building, modularity is important, so converting all the walls into windows makes practical sense — can put up walls and cut floors into offices without regards to where the windows are with regards to the facade. Thus we say that while traditional architecture is about the facade, modern architecture is about enclosing space.
By putting functionality over looks, modern architecture tends to be much more accepted in commercial buildings compared to residential ones. At the same time, there is no way to build a skyscraper using traditional methods. This is why most skyscrapers you see will be built in modern style and residential neighborhoods largely not.
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