Supertall: How the World's Tallest Buildings Are Reshaping Our Cities and Our Lives

The "supertall" is a new urban age manifestation of megastructures that are bigger, higher, and more ambitious than ever before. Stefan Al, an experienced architect, explores the factors that have led to this worldwide boom, including the feats of engineering that make these structures possible. He also examines the environmental and social costs of supertalls, including wealth inequality, carbon emissions, and contagion. Supertall showcases the latest innovations in sustainable building, such as wood-based skyscrapers and tree-covered buildings, to yield a better urban future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

We are witnessing the emergence of a new urban era, characterized by the construction of awe-inspiring megastructures known as "supertalls." These towering structures surpass all previous records in terms of size, height, and ambition, marking a significant milestone in architectural history. Cities across the globe are competing to build the world's first mile-high building, pushing the boundaries of engineering and design to unprecedented levels.

In this captivating exploration of urban history and design, TED resident Stefan Al, an experienced architect, delves into the factors that have fueled this global boom. He unveils the remarkable engineering feats that make today's supertalls a reality, including double-decker elevators capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and the sophisticated use of polymers and steel fibers to enable concrete to withstand immense pressures. Al takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey of the building and design of iconic megastructures from both the past (such as the Empire State Building, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower) and the present (including Dubai's Burj Khalifa, London's Shard, and Shanghai Tower).

While the supertall is undeniably a testament to human technological prowess, it also carries significant environmental and social costs. Al focuses on four global cities—London, New York, Hong Kong, and Singapore—to examine the risks associated with wealth inequality, carbon emissions, and contagion stemming from supertalls. He also highlights the latest innovations in sustainable building, such as wood-based skyscrapers and tree-covered buildings, which hold the promise of creating a more sustainable and equitable urban future.

Supertall features over thirty architectural drawings, providing a visually stunning exploration of our greatest accomplishments and serving as a compelling argument for a more equitable approach to urban development. This book encourages us to reflect on our past achievements and strive for a future where architectural marvels are matched by social and environmental responsibility.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 139 x 210 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324052098