Customer Reviews

Art of the Skyscraper: the Genius of Fazlur Khan

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As its titles suggest, this book is really two in one.
The Art of the Skyscraper is a well-written exposition of Khan's very important contribution to the design and construction of tall buildings and. in the process, insights into the problems that must be overcome in realizing such designs. I believe that many laymen, as well as structural engineers and architects will enjoy this part.
The book aslo describes the too-short life of a great engineer and equally great humanitarian, and gives an unusually good description of his thought processes in solving design prpblems.

To fully appreciate this book, one must have an extensive understanding of structural engineering. The book was writen about a structural engineer by a structural engineer. It provides many details not found in any textbook or other lay persons book. Even in this so-called information age, it is still extremely difficult to get hold of Khan's journal articles. This book provides the best collection of his ideas. There is also important but obscure historical information in the book such as when was the idea of framed tube invented. I would recommend this book to structural engineers involved in high-rise design. Architects might also benifit from the book if they have a solid understanding of structural systems.