Kate Ascher, The Heights: Anatomy of a Skyscraper (New York: Penguin Press, 2011)
Skyscrapers are a vital component of modern cites. They allow tens
of thousands of people to work in close proximity, allowing them to
share ideas. Tall residential buildings have also become important to
supporting vibrant 24 X 7 downtowns, keeping thousands in close
proximity to downtown amenities after the workforce has gone home.
Anyone interested in understanding the modern city would benefit from reading Kate Ascher’s masterful tribute to the skyscraper.
Ascher inter-weaves detailed technical descriptions of building
components with a overarching narrative covering the relationship
between skyscrapers and broader human history and the history of
science. The beautiful illustrations and photographs assist in the
visual appeal of this book that would proudly sit atop any coffee
table. Her descriptions of the technology, materials, mechanical
systems and engineering challenges involved in constructing tall
buildings are fascinating and highly readable to a non-technical reader
(such as me). Yet, I suspect those with an engineering or construction
background would find the descriptions equally compelling.
This book offers something for almost everyone, whether your interest
lies in engineering, construction, real estate or cities. As someone
with a Ph.D. in history (although I work in the real estate investment
industry), I was particularly drawn to Ascher’s discussion of the
relationship between the economy, history of capitalism, history of
technology and skyscraper evolution.
read more
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Chicago Skyscrapers: Chicago Board of Trade, photo by jochemberends |
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Chicago skyscrapers, seen from Millennium Park, photo by Salim Virji |
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Chicago - skyscrapers from the Magnificent Mile, by roncaglia |
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Chicago Skyscrapers: Aon Center, by jochemberends |
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