Book: How to Scrape Skies

Introduction
"How to Scrape Skies" by George Mikes, released in 1946, is a remarkable research study of the style, building and construction, and evolution of the high-rise building. The book supplies insight into the factors behind the increase of high buildings in American cities and their spread around the world. The author combines comprehensive technical explanations with anecdotes and social commentary to supply a balanced and appealing account of this iconic building type.

The Birth of the Skyscraper
Mikes traces the origins of the skyscraper back to 19th century America, when fast urbanization, land deficiency, and technological advances combined to develop the conditions for vertical growth. The author highlights crucial architect Louis Sullivan and engineer William Le Baron Jenney as crucial figures in the development of the high-rise building. Sullivan's Wainwright Building in St. Louis, built in 1891, is considered the first true skyscraper, while Jenney's Home Insurance Building in Chicago was the very first to use a steel frame structure.

Technological Innovations
The growth of high-rise buildings was enabled by a number of essential technological innovations. Mikes describes the vital function of the steel frame, which allowed structures to rise well beyond the structural constraints of masonry and brick. The advancement of efficient elevators was also vital, as it enabled occupants to quickly move between floorings in high structures. The author also acknowledges the important contributions of developments in heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems, as well as fireproofing techniques, in making skyscrapers practical and desirable locations to live and work.

Architectural Styles and Achievements
Throughout the book, Mikes supplies insight into the numerous architectural styles that have actually affected and specified skyscrapers, from the early experiments of the Chicago School and the Beaux-Arts motion to the Art Deco designs of the Roaring Twenties and the modernism of the International Style. The author explores several iconic high-rise buildings as case research studies, consisting of the Woolworth Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Empire State Building, stressing their unique design features and the stories behind their building and construction.

Social Aspects and Influence on City Planning
Beyond their architectural value, Mikes looks into the social ramifications of high-rise buildings on city life and preparation. The author goes over how high-rise buildings affected the way companies and individuals engaged, facilitating the centralization of commerce and the development of a more vertical, densely inhabited city experience. Mikes also takes a look at the challenges that cities faced in adapting their facilities and building codes to accommodate the demands of taller structures.

International Expansion
After World War II, the American high-rise building started to spread to other continents, becoming a symbol of modernity and development. Mikes narrates this worldwide growth, along with the impact of American designers and engineers in the design and construction of skyscrapers around the world. The author highlights notable examples in Europe, such as Torre Pirelli in Milan and Tour Montparnasse in Paris, as well as those in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, showcasing the globalization of this structure type.

Conclusion
"How to Scrape Skies" uses an extensive and well-researched account of the skyscraper as an architectural and social phenomenon. George Mikes successfully conveys the intricate interplay of technological innovations, design motions, and city preparation that drove the development and spread of these renowned structures. The book remains appropriate to readers intrigued in comprehending the history of the constructed environment and the long-lasting effect of skyscrapers on contemporary city life.