When it came time to compile research materials for a book on skyscrapers, I looked to the usual online sources (CTBUH, Emporis) but also tried to find books that assembled as much information on multiple projects as possible. There's a bunch of general interest titles out there, but with the need to write about slightly more technical aspects, I was hoping for a more specialized title. I found it with this survey of about 90 skyscrapers, from the Flatiron Building (1902) to the Swiss Re Tower (2004). Each project is treated to a two-page spread and a consistent format with some basic facts, photographs, drawings, construction photos (if applicable, given that such projects as Swiss Re were not yet built), and four paragraphs of text: urban context, structure, circulation/installations, and façade. It's no surprise – given the number of projects, the variety of projects (not just famous towers), the consistent format, and the information included – that it is an academic publication, produced by Campi and his students at ETH Zurich. Given the heights achieved and advanced made in the design and engineering of tall buildings since this book's publication, it's in need of an update: 90 more projects from this century. ( )

Technical Library - shelved at: E819