Skyscrapers - An Urban Type

An essential reference guide to the towering cenotaphs that have characterised the skylines of cities for more than 100 years, Campi and Zurkirchen's book is a comprehensive look at a fascinating subject. From the first examples in the 1890s to present-day exercises in steel and glass, Skyscrapers -an Urban Type examines all aspects of construction, façade details and technical features of these awesome structures. Containing more than 1000 plans, photographs and drawings, this book provides the ultimate reference on the subject.

Skyscrapers have been a source of fascination to the expert and layman alike since their emergence in the nineteenth century and this volume presents a selection of the most captivating examples ranging from the skyscrapers of the 1890s to contemporary projects. Following a general introduction, a large format double page is devoted to each skyscraper where such crucial aspects as construction and facade details, load-bearing structures and essential technical features are analysed in text and illustrations. Each building is documented systematically enabling the reader to compare the buildings presented.

The buildings and projects in this compendium were all innovative, epoch-making buildings in their day and provide a critical overview of the development in this type of architecture. A wealth of visual material -- approximately 1000 plans, photographs, technical and axonometric drawings ensure that this volume is a detailed and valuable reference work.

Princeton Architectural Press publishes fine books on architecture, design, photography, landscape, and visual culture.