Why Skyscrapers Became Glass Boxes

The glass box aesthetic dominates modern skyscrapers due to economic factors and developer risk aversion. This style is cheaper and more space-efficient than ornate facades, with tenants caring less about exterior details. Once established, it became the safe choice, as developers avoid risky designs that might alienate tenants or investors. While some architects still design classical skyscrapers, they face market forces favoring simpler, modernist aesthetics.