The Heights: Anatomy of a Skyscraper

Most of us have go in and out of tall buildings on a regular basis. These buildings are so well made, we rarely think about the complex systems that come together in order to build and maintain them. In "The Heights: Anatomy of a Skyscraper", Kate Ascher takes us on a layman's tour of these complicated structures.Ascher begins by telling us about the history of Skyscrapers and the design issues architects and engineers need to address before building them. Such important issues as zoning and the underlying ecomomic issues that drive construction are also covered. Although these details are important, what really makes "The Heights" such a pleasure to read is when Ascher starts detailing the steps required to raise a Skyscraper. Detailed illustrations accompany her descriptions of such interesting things as the installion of glass curtain walls and the pumping of concrete to building tops. Granted, elevator design and the functioning of air handling units is not everybody's cup of tea. But if you are the type of geek who thinks mechanical floors and high-rise fire protection systems are interesting, this is your book.Keep in mind "The Heights" was written for the general public. If you find tall buildings to be inherently interesting but do not have a background in architecture, engineering or any of the trade crafts, this is the book for you. Due to the inherent complexity of these structures, I am sure that specialists will have bones to pick with Ascher's descriptions. Nevertheless, I challange these critics to find a better single volume on skyscraper construction for the general public. In the final analysis, "The Heights" is well written, beautifully illustrated and a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended.

I teach construction management at Pratt institute and find that this book is great at providing easy to understand information about how skyscrapers are designed and built. I have built skyscrapers in New York City for many years and this book has it right without getting lost in deep engineering or Architecture.For someone looking for an understanding of how buildings get built without getting into the complex engineering,this is the book.Kate Ascher did a great job,she did not miss a thing and the illustrations are great,a picture is worth a thousand words.

The book provides a unique and insightful high lever survey and review of the design, construction and management of skyscrapers. From engineering blueprints, to architecture, to internal systems (plumbing, electrical, mass dampers, etc.) the book offers an insightful and comprehensive review (also including timelines of major skyscraper construction in history). For those interested in tall buildings, this is an excellent primer!

This is an amazing book. It starts with the basics and history of skyscrapers from the last century to describing current architecture (skyscrapers) today including international style architecture and the apparent global race for the super tall structure.It further describes the anatomy of building systems from steel frame (structure) to vertical circulation, lighting HVAC and building maintenance/services.I think most design professionals or anyone fascinated with how buildings come together should have a copy of this book in their collection for reference and for a fun read.

I absolutely love this book because of the illustrations. The illustrations allow you to easily understand the various construction processes. The book itself is also easy to read and understand.

I have left this book lying around on my coffee table, and every single visitor to our house has picked it up, started leafing through it, and then become fascinated and sat there. One person even tried to buy it off me. Really compelling--you think you don't care about the differences between central-core and side-core skyscrapers? You will soon.

This is an excellent book to see what goes into a skyscraper project, with details all the way from clearing for a foundation to topping out a building, to life safety features and components that go into construction, for example cranes that do the heavy lifting. Beautiful graphics as well.

For a novice like me this is very informative and well presented. Great book.