A Petal-Structured Vertical High-Rise Integrating Exoskeletal Load Distribution and Passive Environmental Regulation

The continued vertical densification of global cities necessitates high-rise architectural systems that simultaneously achieve structural efficiency, environmental responsiveness, and urban legibility, while minimizing material intensity and operational energy demand. This research presents a petal-structured vertical high-rise architecture in which symmetrically arranged, curved exoskeletal elements operate as the primary load-bearing and environmental-regulating system around a central vertical core. Structurally, the petal-like exoskeleton functions as a distributed shell–diagrid hybrid, where curvature and radial symmetry transform gravitational and lateral wind loads into compression-dominant membrane force trajectories. Analytical structural modeling indicates that the inclined shell geometry reduces global bending moments by approximately 25–40% and lateral drift by 20–30% compared to conventional orthogonal core–frame towers of equivalent height. This load transformation enables a 15–25% reduction in structural material demand, while simultaneously increasing torsional stiffness through perimeter force distribution and enhanced polar moment of inertia. Aerodynamically, the petal configuration disrupts coherent vortex formation and redistributes wind pressure across multiple curved surfaces, leading to an estimated 18–28% reduction in peak wind pressure coefficients and improved dynamic stability. The resulting increase in fundamental natural frequency (approximately 10–20% higher than comparable prismatic towers) contributes to reduced wind-induced acceleration and enhanced occupant comfort without reliance on supplemental damping systems. From an environmental performance perspective, the spatial articulation between petal elements forms continuous vertical ventilation channels that promote buoyancy-driven and wind-assisted airflow. First-principle ventilation modeling indicates achievable airflow velocities of 0.8–1.6 m/s and air-change rates of 4–8 ACH in naturally ventilated zones. Concurrently, the curved petal geometry provides geometric self-shading and variable solar incidence, reducing cumulative annual solar heat gain by 10–25%, while maintaining high levels of diffuse daylight penetration. Integrated energy balance analysis suggests a 30–40% reduction in cooling energy demand, depending on climatic context and operational parameters. At the urban scale, the building engages actively with surrounding green infrastructure and riverfront microclimates, enhancing evaporative cooling, moderating near-field air temperature by 1–2°C, and improving pedestrian-level thermal comfort. The petal-structured form thus operates not only as a building-scale system but also as an urban environmental moderator. This study demonstrates that architectural geometry itself can function as a primary structural and environmental regulator, replacing additive mechanical complexity with intrinsic form-based intelligence. The proposed petal-structured exoskeletal framework is scalable, materially efficient, and climatically adaptable, offering a robust model for sustainable landmark high-rise development in dense urban and waterfront contexts. The research establishes a strong analytical foundation for subsequent numerical simulation, material optimization, and experimental validation, reinforcing geometry-driven design as a credible pathway for future vertical urbanism......... Please check the attachment for details