This newest addition to Prestel's acclaimed series, which introduces children to important works of art and architecture, takes young readers around the world to investigate how tall buildings are constructed and what makes them so appealing. There's something irresistible about a skyscraper. It can reshape an entire city skyline, and from the building's top floors, people can see the world from a different perspective. Travelling from New York City to Dubai, from London to Shanghai, and from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago, this colorful book features double-page spreads for each of the skyscrapers it profiles. Each chapter includes photographs, information on the building's architect and history, and interesting facts about its construction and use. For instance, why is the Chrysler Building so admired, even though it doesn't stand nearly as tall as other skyscrapers? How do you measure the height of a building and how do you make sure it doesn't topple over in strong winds? How has skyscraper technology changed from the steel frame skeletons that supported the earliest towers to the advanced computer programs that are now needed to design buildings more than 100 stories high? How has city life changed since the first skyscrapers were built? Written in a style that will draw in young readers, this fascinating tour of the world's tallest buildings will satisfy even the most curious minds.
