The world’s first iron and steel buildings in Chicago were built toward the end of the 19th century and set the scene for modern architecture. The Home Insurance building, completed in 1885, featured iron columns embedded in its masonry walls which allowed it to reach the impressive height of 10 storeys without the need for huge, heavy masonry walls. 

Five years later the first all steel-framed building was built, also in Chicago, and Britain’s first steel-framed building was constructed soon after in the last decade of the 19th century. From there the only way was up, and the modern skyscraper was born.

Global steel demand rose accordingly, and by 2020 global production was 1,878 million tonnes. This was a dramatic increase on the 850 million tonnes produced in 2000, which was just 133 million tonnes up on the 1980 figure. China now consumes over half the world output of steel; in 1991 it used under 10%.

Unlike concrete, steel is used for many different building elements. These include ductwork, ironmongery, motors, studs for portioning, raised access flooring … the list goes on. Even reinforced concrete contains 30% to 40% steel.

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