The nickname ‘Manchattan’ has become ever more pertinent in recent years as an ever-growing array of skyscrapers has appeared in Manchester. While the buildings are not yet as numerous, or as tall, as the highest towers in New York, this sobriquet is understandable.

In 2005, the Beetham Tower, still under construction, exceeded the 1962 CIS Tower in height and became Manchester’s tallest building, a record it only kept until 2018. Yet this title is set to change hands again following the granting of planning permission for a 76-storey, 246 m (807 ft) tower.

Known as Nobu Manchester after the firm behind it – a hotel chain co-owned by actor Robert De Niro – the building will be one of two new towers in the project, with an adjacent 23-storey tower with apartments aimed at the ‘affordable’ market.

The latter building may go some way towards addressing a common objection that Manchester’s new towers are providing luxury flats and neglecting the wider property market, but another objection is that such buildings will greatly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching street level.

However, this highlights one of the benefits of using structural glass. It means that while the internal walls and furnishings mean light won’t shine straight through, at least around the periphery, there is more light getting through and the glass is reflective. This will be of benefit even in a city like Manchester, where, daylight and sunshine are often very different things.

The use of structural glass is also beneficial because it is so lightweight, which is another reason it is used so much in skyscraper construction.

Back in the original Manhattan, that wasn’t always the case. The earliest skyscrapers, such as the Flatiron Building, had iron frames but not structural glass. Such buildings cut out a lot more light.

With Nobu Manchester set to gain a 44-storey neighbour after developer Glenbrook’s Whitworth Street West scheme was also given planning permission this month, some reflective and transparent glass will be important in helping Manchester make the most of its sunny days.