What is a characteristic of curtain walls in high-rise buildings?

Curtain walls are indeed typically nonload-bearing elements in high-rise buildings. This characteristic means that these walls do not support the building's structural loads like floors and roofs; instead, they are primarily designed to protect the building's interior from the elements and provide aesthetic appeal. The nonload-bearing nature allows for greater design flexibility and the use of lighter materials, such as glass and metal panels, which can be assembled without the need for extensive structural support.

The design concept behind curtain walls focuses on their function as an external skin, allowing other structural elements, such as the framework of the building, to support the weight of the structure. This allows for the sleek and modern facades seen in contemporary architecture, facilitating large windows and open spaces within the building. The use of nonload-bearing curtain walls also enables architects to maximize the use of natural light and improve the energy efficiency of high-rise buildings.