Skyscraper: The Making of a Building [Paperback]

Karl Sabbagh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0140152849 | ISBN-13: 978-0140152845 | Publication Date: July 1, 1991

Skyscraper provides an intriguing "through-the-fence" look at the creation of a real skyscraper, Worldwide Plaza in New York City. Covering every aspect of the process, this fascinating book demonstrates the intricate interplay of science and technology, art and craftsmanship, finance and politics that results in a skyscraper. 16 pages of full-color photography.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A companion to a forthcoming public television series of the same name, Skyscraper provides an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a massive new building in New York City from its inception and financing through the design phase to its actual construction and leasing. While attention is given to the technology involved in such a project, Sabbagh focuses on the personalities that gave their time and energy to this complex three-year undertaking. Readers are introduced not only to the project developers and architects, but also to the financiers, brick manufacturers, construction foremen, leasing agents, and tenants who collectively determine the ultimate success of the project. Both entertaining and informative, this book will appeal to anyone who has ever peered through a construction fence and wondered what was going on.
- H. Ward Jandl, National Park Service, Washington, D . C .
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (July 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140152849
• ISBN-13: 978-0140152845
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So, THAT'S how it's done!, November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Skyscraper: The Making of a Building (Paperback)

The problems the architects have with the engineers and the "customer". How it is physically erected and the logistics of getting permits, labor and materials. The leverage that major, future tenants of the skyscraper have on its design. The personal experiences of the those responsible for its construction, from the site foreman to the leasing agents, and how they deal with delays and cost overruns.

It is simply an interesting story of the building of a skyscraper on Manhattan, from the ground, up. I've always wondered, vaguely, about the process, and this book nicely satisfies me in terms I can grasp.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Same as TV Series?, December 6, 2000

By 

David Fransko (Detroit) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skyscraper: The Making of a Building (Paperback)

This book is a fascinating look at the entire process of building a skyscraper. Finance, logistics, negotiation, construction, architecture... it's all here. I have one question. I believe this book was once a PBS series... does anyone know if that is available on video? If anyone has any info on that please email me at [e-mail]

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The give and take in transforming design to finished product, May 2, 2000

By 

Albrice - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skyscraper: The Making of a Building (Paperback)

I believe the author has done an excellent job of articulating the concessions and compromises made by all the parties in the development of a skycraper. To illustrate the delineation of some of the roles, responsibilities and concomitant frustrations, I quote from the book:

"In an earlier world the architect got on with the drawings. In todays world it's left much more to vendors to produce documents which the architect checks" (page 242)

"We can never work in the final medium of our art, as painters or sculptors usually do, so it's frightening to see the final thing come together being crafted by other hands than your own" (page 299)

"The architects were pretty confident that it wasn't a design fault. The masons were pretty sure that they had built the wall to specifications...The window manufacturer was fairly happy with the windows he had fabricated and shipped...for the mockup. The testing company, which had supervised building the mockup, seemed confident that all the instructions had been followed...As they all talked among themselves, rumors spread." (page 202)

The interface between the consultants, trades, vendors, managers and developer makes for interesting reading with some lessons to be learned.