may be less demanding, suggesting a different finish,

provided the combination is aesthetically pleasing or

has a logical separation.
Walls for top floor(s)
The architect should balance the shape and size requirements
for the top floor panels with a reasonable
utilization of molds being used on the rest of the project.
The top floor is not the place to use excessively
large units unless the design and budget warrant the
additional crane cost. Figure 2.1.3 illustrates the use
of units that are narrower in width than those of the
lower floors.
The project in Fig. 2.1.4 shows an application of
some of the major points made in this chapter. The
center bay of the building contains stairs, special service
areas, and an elevator core (Fig. 2.1.4[a]). The core
was designed to transmit all horizontal loads to the
foundation. The use of integrated, loadbearing architectural
precast spandrels and a precast concrete core
facilitated a tight construction schedule. The total precast
concrete structure was erected in only eight weeks
with two cranes. The horizontal mass of the building
is broken by expressed vertical pilasters (Fig. 2.1.4[b]),
which break the building into a series of regular bays,
highlighted by granite and concrete accent medallions.
Details such as reveals and medallions also help to reduce
the building s scale and offer visual interest at the
pedestrian level (Fig. 2.1.4[c]). The architect wanted to
maximize the window space while also maintaining a
heavier, substantial wall form. This was achieved with
the detailing and implication of the beam-column look
of the precast concrete panels.