Unbuilding (Sandpiper)

Having previously read the author's Motel of the Mysteries, I already anticipated Macaulay's breathtakingly detailed illustrations. What I hadn't expected was to be so enthralled by the ingenuity of how one breaks down a skyscraper when surrounded by buildings people don't want harmed. The detailed breakdown of the, well breakdown, had me sharing something that amazed me nearly every other page.I simply can't recommend this enough. If you find "how it works" or procedural information interesting or if you're just curious how an one hundred plus story building might be dismantled, do give this a try. If you are more interested in story based over factual, Motel of the Mysteries

perfect for inquisitive young minds:It moves them into process thinking, systems thinking, and holistic unpackingof that which makes up "the reality" of our lives.Since architecture shapes our thinking, it may indirectly demonstrate and/or influence the way their perception is being shaped by and in their environs, city, geography: every manmade "structure" is now up for them to transfer this learning to discern principles of the construction of others..

The 80's were a paranoid time and this book has that aspect. Macaulay does something much more important though, he uses the paranoia of "foreign interests are buying our country" to explore the transience of the structures we hold dear as a country. There is more than art here, there is a great story and a great lesson for the reader.

Not much drama, just a few interesting details of how one might take down an iconic skyscraper. Silly twist at the end.

Fabulous book on one of the world’s most famous buildings with easy to understand overview of skyscraper architecture. Great author. Recommend any of his books.

No new yorker would agree to this but maybe they could take down the Trump dump. Still it was enjoyable to read

I found this book easy to read, with excellent pictures. We need our young people interested in engineering and understand what it means. Fascinating! Fantastic books for young engineers (to be)!

Whatever goes up must come down! Great to make the 360 circle for potential engineers. Recommend it for students considering engineering major.

amazing book for reference great artwork

Fantastic book. Read it as a kid. Bought for young Tom. The story continues!

Sto diventando un fan di David Macaulay. Il modo che ha di spiegare e rappresentare la realtà è davvero unico.Prende una la storia della costruzione più o meno verosimile di un ipotetico palazzo e la sviluppa dalle fondamenta al comignolo.In questo libro, invece, fa l'opposto. Immagina un ricco petroliere che decide di comprare, smontare e rimontare l'Empire State Building di New York in arabia.Dopo lo sgomento iniziale della popolazione, il progetto parte. Ed è la scusa per descrivere ognuna delle componenti del palazzo. Passo dopo passo, piano dopo piano, vengono descritte le soluzioni tecniche impiegate, le scelte costruttive e le tecniche necessarie per la demolizione conservativa.Sfortunatamente è un po' più noioso degli altri suoi libri, ma i suoi disegni sono impagabili.Libro di grande formato, carta lucida per la copertina e bianca e solida per le pagine.Godibilissimo.

David Macaulay is a genius. The illustrations and the whimsy of his books has never failed to deliver. This is a great way to learn about architecture and construction.

A beautiful, factually correct but historically twisted graphical novel about one of man's most epic technical achievements. An instructive, tongue-in-cheek story in the age of disposable architecture. Reading it still gives me a feeling of both elation and sadness.