Building Design Questions

-What (architectural and engineering) design changes have taken place in skyscrapers since 9-11?

-Where does the United States stand in skyscraper design and safety innovation?

-Which materials do you see being incorporated the most for fire safety in skyscrapers? How do you test them?

-What difference in skyscraper safety design do you notice between Class A and Class B buildings?

-What are some ways design could be used to make older skyscrapers safer?

-How could older buildings' materials be upgraded in a cost-effective way?

-Where so you see the importance of (architects, engineers) in exploring new design techniques in skyscraper construction?

-What is the opinion in the (architectural, engineering) community about innovating new safety measures? How has it or has it not become a priority since 9-11?

-In what ways have (architects, engineers) been working together to develop safer ways to build high rises?

-How important is it to the architectural/engineering community to design safer skyscrapers?

-What safety concerns do you see as most important for (architects, engineers)?

-How does your firm approach skyscraper safety?

-Considering the impact the damage to the World Trade Center had on the surrounding buildings, how have (architects, engineers) approached the safety of their design in regards to neighboring buildings?

-How easy is it to bypass or innovate building safety codes?

-How restrictive are building codes on (architectural, engineering) designs? Do you find them problematic?

-What are some conversations that have taken place within the (architectural, engineering) community since 9-11 regarding skyscraper design and safety? Has there been less pressure to innovate or conform as we get further away from 9-11 or do you think that it remains an important issue that (architects, engineers) are actively exploring?

-Among U.S. cities, where does New York's new skyscrapers stand among safety, design and innovation? Among world cities?

-If there was funding available to test different techniques of design for safety, would more firms try to innovate? On a scale of 1 to 10, how important are safety considerations in building design?

-How would incorporating certain safety measures alter the integrity of a building's design? How important is that to you?