the beetham tower, 1 of world s slimmest skyscrapers, has width height ratio of 1:10. light used accentuate tower s crystalline form throughout course of day. the building located on narrow site on deansgate @ junction great bridgewater street , liverpool road. tall rectangular form maximises available space. on 23rd storey cantilever projects 13 feet (4 metres) increasing floor space , giving tower definition. on roof glass overrun, described glass blade architect. ten-metre blade accentuates flat south façade, contrasting north façade, , doubles lightning rod. the tower built carillion using post-tensioned flat slab concrete construction techniques , first structure in united kingdom use doka ske 100 automatic climbing system , trapezoidal windshield. piling foundations typically preferred skyscrapers, manchester s sandstone substrata meant raft foundation. 2.5-metre thick raft foundation sits 9 metres below ground level. approximately 57,000 tonnes of concrete , 6,000 glass panes ...