BOOK REVIEW MASTER LIST: (aka, the Best Skyscraper Books EVER!!)
While compiling my own personal Christmas List for the holiday season, I was challenged to start creating a list about my own ‘personal and most sought after skyscraper books’. Mostly, so I can see about having friends and relatives save me a couple bucks (as good skyscraper books tend to be expensive). Also, because many books on skyscrapers are simply picture books, with serious reads/discussions being a bit harder to find. As the world continues to explore this fascinating typology, I’ve attempted to add to the discussion using several finds discovered throughout my own Thesis research. Architects LOVE lists, so here is my own, centering on ‘must reads’ for anyone who I consider serious about sustainable skyscraper design(s).
While compiling my own personal Christmas List for the holiday season, I was challenged to start creating a list about my own ‘personal and most sought after skyscraper books’. Mostly, so I can see about having friends and relatives save me a couple bucks (as good skyscraper books tend to be expensive). Also, because many books on skyscrapers are simply picture books, with serious reads/discussions being a bit harder to find. As the world continues to explore this fascinating typology, I’ve attempted to add to the discussion using several finds discovered throughout my own Thesis research. Architects LOVE lists, so here is my own, centering on ‘must reads’ for anyone who I consider serious about sustainable skyscraper design(s).
With luck, this list will continue to grow, as I shortly expand upon the “Book Reviews/Recommendations” list over the coming break. Meanwhile, the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has kind of done this same thing, to considerable success. With luck, I won’t overlap their finds too much!! (http://www.ctbuh.org/Publications/CTBUHJournal/Reviews/tabid/1091/language/en-GB/Default.aspx).
Anywho, on to the list!!
PERSONAL FAVORITES (the top 10 of those I’ve Read/Own)
- The Environmental Performance of Tall Buildings (Joana Carla Soares Goncalves) – the most recommended book I have, for anyone looking to start the dialogue of sustainable skyscrapers. Has several amazing case studies, and gets to the real heart of how to start designing sustainable high-rise. http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/the-environmental-performance-of-tall-buildings/71856/
- Asia Ascending (CTBUH Shanghai Conference) – excellent case studies/discussions, from the leading authorities on contemporary skyscraper design.
- Sustainable Skyscrapers (Ila Berman & Nataly Gattegno) – a ‘kickoff’ book, that explores http://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Skyscrapers-Cca-Architecture-Studio/dp/0982503318
- Delirious NY (Rem Koolhas) – while centering on several New York facets at once, Koolhas' internal chapter on skyscrapers is almost a necessary crash course as an introduction to the skyscraper typology. Brings up several points that continue to be relevant today, and offers pointed criticism where its needed most.
- Form Follows Finance (Carol Willis) – a semi-blowback on Koolhas' work, this book examines why certain skyscrapers emerge in certain cities (Chicago and New York for the most part here, though its principles apply to any urban environs).
BOOKS IN THE CROSSHAIRS (THOSE YET TO READ)
- Tall Buildings: A Strategic Design Guide (2016, Nigel Clark, Bill Price) - ….seems right up our alley!!! http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/tall-buildings-a-strategic-design-guide-2nd-edition/85720/
- Performative Skyscraper: Tall Building Design Now (2014, Scott Johnson) - ….seems right up our alley!!! http://ced.berkeley.edu/events-media/events/scott-johnson-performative-skyscraper-tall-building-design-now
- CTBUH’s “Natural Ventilation Guide” (2012, Routladge) - https://store.ctbuh.org/c-38-technical-guides.aspx
- CTBUH’s “Wind Tunnel Testing Guide” (2013, Routladge) - the Council of Tall Buildings routinely publishes amazing artciles. I fell in love with/bought their “Asia Ascending” book a few years ago…..a book I still consider a MUST read!!
- Can Skyscrapers be Sustainable? (2013, Winey Mass) - ….might answer some questions near and dear to my hear!!!! http://www.ctbuh.org/Publications/CTBUHJournal/Reviews/Conference_Porosity/tabid/4406/language/en-GB/Default.aspx
HONORABLE MENTIONS (the top 10 of those I’ve Read/Own)
- Tall Buildings Artistically Reconsidered (Ada Louise Huxtable) – more of a discussion of skyscraper style than anything else, Huxtable brings/maintains her razor whit to her home city's tallest structures.
- The Skyscraper (Paul Goldberger) – discussion and critique on 1980's structures, and more of a reflection on Post-Modernism than anything else. One of my least favorites.....but Goldberger's name carries far too much weight, not to be on this list.
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