Final answer:
Advancements in steel girder technology, the invention of the electric elevator, and the development of underground railways made the construction of skyscrapers practical. Later, prefabrication and computer-aided manufacturing techniques improved the process, ensuring skyscrapers could meet modern demands and reach new heights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evolution of skyscrapers was greatly propelled by advancements in technology toward the end of the 19th century. Key innovations included the development of steel girders and the electric elevator. Strong and durable steel girders allowed for the construction of significantly taller structures beyond the traditional 10 to 12-story brick buildings. The invention of the passenger and freight elevators, particularly the electric elevator in 1889 by the Otis Elevator Company, was vital in making tall buildings practical. Before elevators, scaling tall buildings was impractical, but with the ability to move people and goods swiftly and safely between floors, building upward became an attractive proposition.
Another technological feat was the development of underground railways in cities like Boston and New York. These systems enabled further expansion and allowed cities to accommodate the growth of automobiles. Skyscrapers then began to represent both a solution to the lack of space in urban centers and a symbol of prestige for the businesses that occupied them. The iconic Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885, is considered the first modern skyscraper and kicked off the trend of building vertically as a response to the limited geographical space and high real estate costs.
As we moved into the new millennium, technology continued to evolve, with prefabrication and computer-aided manufacturing revolutionizing construction. The use of robotics in fabricating building components ensures precision and reduces errors, while testing for earthquake and wind stability, and fire prevention is now an integral part of the construction process. These advancements have allowed skyscrapers to reach new heights and accommodate the needs of the growing urban populace.
The combination of these technological advances has not only made the construction of skyscrapers practical but has also reshaped the architectural landscape of cities across the world, symbolizing economic power and innovation.