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    Back to Design and Architecture

    Design and Architecture

    Software, Skyscrapers and Goodbye to Stumpy Towers in L.A.

    The city of Los Angeles has just cast out an old rule that mandated that skyscrapers have helipads on their roofs. The result: very few rooftop rescues and a skyline of “flat topped” stumpy towers.

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    By Frances Anderton • Oct 7, 2014 • 1 min read

    The city of Los Angeles has just cast out an old rule that mandated that skyscrapers have helipads on their roofs. The result: very few rooftop rescues and a skyline of “flat topped” stumpy towers.

    Does ending that rule means the shackles are off for developers and designers wanting L.A. to join other world cities in the race to build the shapeliest skyscrapers? Scott Johnson talks about how software is revolutionizing skyscrapers, and what we might see in the future in LA.

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    Is Grand Central Market Becoming Too Grand?; Goodbye Flat Top Towers
    1. 0:49 Is Grand Central Market Becoming Too Grand?
    2. 12:46Software, Skyscrapers and Goodbye to Stumpy Towers in L.A.You’re reading this
    3. 23:05Everything Talks: Lawns
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Frances Anderton

      architecture critic and author

    • KCRW placeholder

      Caroline Chamberlain

      KUOW

      Culture

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    Is Grand Central Market Becoming Too Grand?; Goodbye Flat Top Towers
    1. 0:49 Is Grand Central Market Becoming Too Grand?
    2. 12:46Software, Skyscrapers and Goodbye to Stumpy Towers in L.A.You’re reading this
    3. 23:05Everything Talks: Lawns
    Back to Design and Architecture