Book Skyscraper: Cities in the Sky: The Quest to Build the World's Tallest Skyscrapers
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Cities in the Sky: The Quest to Build the World's Tallest Skyscrapers - A Detailed Summary/Article
Jason M. Barr's "Cities in the Sky" delves into the history, economics, and social impact of skyscrapers, focusing on the motivations behind building the world's tallest structures. The book challenges common misconceptions, arguing that skyscrapers are not just vanity projects but vital components of urban ecosystems driven by complex economic and social forces.
Part I: America
Chicago: The book debunks the myth of the Home Insurance Building as the first skyscraper, highlighting its hybrid structure. Instead, it emphasizes Chicago's rapid growth fueled by its central location and the entrepreneurial spirit of developers like the Brooks brothers, who spurred the demand for innovative office spaces, ultimately giving rise to the Chicago School of Architecture.
New York City: The Empire State Building's iconic status is analyzed, emphasizing its economic rationality despite being built during the Great Depression. The evolution of zoning regulations, culminating in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), is explored, demonstrating its profound impact on shaping New York's skyline and influencing global urban planning.
The American Century: The Sears (Willis) Tower, built for practicality and efficiency, exemplifies the Second Skyscraper Revolution, fueled by advancements in structural engineering like the framed tube system, made possible by the advent of computer technology. This period saw the rise of the "hive mind" in skyscrapers, reflecting the dominance of American corporations and their global operations.
Part II: Eurasia
London: The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building, highlights London's complex relationship with skyscrapers, characterized by a long history of reluctance and a recent shift toward iconic architecture. The book dissects the city's planning process, showcasing the tension between preservationists and pro-growth advocates. It argues that the "iconic architecture" mandate, while contributing to unique buildings, also fuels high office rents through artificial scarcity.
Hong Kong: Despite its density and abundance of skyscrapers, Hong Kong lacks a world record holder. The book explains this through the city's history of land leasing, pragmatic planning, and a focus on residential high-rises. The rise of Shenzhen, fueled by Chinese economic reforms and investments from Hong Kong, is analyzed, showcasing the complex interplay of competition and cooperation between the two cities.
China: The Shanghai Tower, part of the Three Brothers trio, symbolizes China's "Skyscraper Fever." The book examines the country's rapid urbanization and the government's role in promoting skyscrapers as symbols of economic might and local officials' achievements. However, concerns about overbuilding, corruption, "weird" architecture, and environmental impact have led to increased regulations, including height caps. This section also delves into the Third Skyscraper Revolution, marked by innovations like buttressed cores, high-strength concrete, advanced wind engineering, and sophisticated elevator systems, enabling taller and more efficient buildings.
Part III: A Global View
Sky Prizes: This chapter dissects the economic benefits of skyscrapers, highlighting the "height premium" paid by occupants for better views, signaling status, and agglomeration advantages. The book argues that iconicity and starchitects also add value by enhancing a building's brand and attracting tenants willing to pay a premium.
Cities and Civilization: The book confronts criticisms leveled against skyscrapers, particularly concerning Billionaires' Row in New York. It challenges claims that tall buildings exacerbate gentrification, income inequality, and money laundering, emphasizing the larger role of restrictive housing policies and global economic forces. It argues that skyscrapers, by increasing density and reducing sprawl, can actually contribute to lower carbon footprints and a more sustainable urban lifestyle. The VEAM Principle (Value of Land, Externalities, Affordability, and Mobility) is proposed as a framework for successful urban planning.
Futureopolis: The dystopian vision of high-rise living depicted in J.G. Ballard's "High-Rise" is contrasted with the reality of modern, well-designed skyscrapers. The chapter explores the evolving nature of work, the increasing importance of social skills in the workplace, and the role of skyscrapers in facilitating collaboration and knowledge spillovers. Environmental concerns are addressed, emphasizing the need for green technologies and policies that promote sustainable construction practices. The book concludes with a look at the future, predicting continued skyscraper growth, potentially culminating in mile-high structures, driven by economic growth and the enduring allure of the "ever upward" journey.
Epilogue: Cities and Skyscrapers in a Post-COVID World: The book acknowledges the challenges posed by the pandemic, including the rise of work-from-home and the office vacancy crisis. However, it expresses optimism about the long-term resilience of cities and skyscrapers, predicting an eventual rebound fueled by economic growth, urban dynamism, and the human desire for connection and creativity.
Overall, "Cities in the Sky" offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the role of skyscrapers in urban environments. It dismantles simplistic narratives, showcasing the complex interplay of economic forces, technological advancements, social perceptions, and political dynamics that shape the world's skylines. By dispelling myths and providing a data-driven analysis, the book encourages readers to appreciate the complexities of urban development and to engage in informed discussions about the future of cities and the quest to reach for the sky.