How to Build a Skyscraper

An architectural expert tours 46 of the world's most significant skyscrapers. This distinctive book is the most comprehensive collection of modern skyscrapers published in the last 20 years. Skyscrapers have been piercing the clouds since the end of the nineteenth century but today's soaring land prices are driving developers to build bigger better and higher while aiming for as small a footprint as possible. The lavish spreads feature a large photograph with cross-section drawings plus fact boxes listing location year of completion height stories primary functions owner/developer architect structural engineer and construction firm. Concise text describes historical context; unusual or innovative construction; engineering and structural systems; foundation facade and shape; the site history; and building usage; as well as any special features that make the skyscraper unique. For example The Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe London UK surprisingly has only one piece of curved glass despite