Fazlur Rahman Khan

Revolutionized skyscraper design with tubular structural systems, enabling modern urban high-rises

Fazlur Rahman Khan (1929–1982), a Bangladeshi-American structural engineer, transformed skyscraper architecture through his invention of the tubular structural system. His innovations allowed buildings like Chicago's Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) to reach unprecedented heights while using less material.

Key contributions include:

• Pioneering the bundled tube structure for wind resistance
• Developing the framed tube system for efficient load distribution
• Creating the truss tube system for supertall buildings

Khan's work enabled the construction of energy-efficient skyscrapers that defined city skylines worldwide. His legacy continues to influence sustainable urban development.