Jeddah Tower Engineering Featured in Newsweek

Managing Principal John Peronto was featured in Newsweek discussing the engineering behind Jeddah Tower, the future world's tallest building. 

Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, on its way to becoming the first structure to reach 1 kilometer in height, is redefining the limits of tall-building engineering. In the article, John Peronto explains that while the tower is designed to withstand enormous gravity loads, it also takes advantage of a surprising atmospheric reality: at extreme heights, maximum wind loads can be lower than those experienced closer to the ground. 

The article also highlights Jeddah Tower’s innovative tri-legged structural system, which maximizes stability and efficiency, while the tower’s immense mass helps reduce motion and improve occupant comfort. Combined with a flared base that distributes gravity loads more effectively, these design strategies demonstrate how engineers are solving challenges that do not exist for conventional skyscrapers. 

Thornton Tomasetti is providing structural engineering services for Jeddah Tower to Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, combining bespoke high-performance designs with advanced structural systems and materials. The work is being delivered in close coordination with the project team, including Jeddah Economic Company, Dar, Saudi Binladin Group (SBG), Turner International, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, and RWDI.

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