The Skyscraper and the City: Design, Technology, and Innovation - Tapa dura

"Lynn S. Beedle... foresaw back then in 1969 that the skyscraper would be a built-form that would significantly preoccupy the leading designers of our human built environment today,... Our tall urban habitat, while giving rise to a dynamic city life, cannot be isolated from the city life itself but must be an integral part of it. This view led Beedle to teach a special course at Lehigh University where he was based, which effectively covered the other diverse aspects related to the tall building type. Beedle's notes for his lectures then at his behest are put together here by his protege, Mir M. Ali and assisted by Ali's colleague Paul J. Armstrong into this monograph." - Dr. Ken Yeang Distinguished Plym Professor University of Illinois at Urbana-Chamapign "Whether one is optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the high-rise, it is quite clear that it will continue to be an integral part of tomorrow's cities. Increasing populations and limited natural resources will continue to play in favor of high-rise architecture as cities come to grips with their future. As the authors conclude, it will not only be a question of economics and technology that sustains high-rise architecture, but it will be the human spirit that is the driving force behind its future development." - Dr. John W. Stamper Associate Dean and Professor of Architecture University of Notre Dame"

This work is a broad-ranging survey of high-rise architecture which touches on many issues that define the character and social and economic role of this important building type. The history and theory of high-rise design, along with programmatic, structural, social, financial, operational, and urban issues are all covered in a comprehensive and insightful way.