Super Structures

by Philip Wilkinson

Featuring specially commissioned 3-D models photographed layer by layer from the inside to reveal the inner workings, this book takes a look at the finest engineering feats of humans, from bridges and tunnels to skyscrapers and rollercoasters.

48 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1996

About the author

Philip Wilkinson (born 1955) is the author of non-fiction books for children and adults. He was educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He worked as an editor prior to becoming an author.

He specializes in works on history, the arts, religion, and architecture and has written over forty titles.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally picked this book up after 20 years or so.. astonishingly many of the described "super structures" are still around in Google Map :) Really learned a lot going through all the pages with so many nicely drawn diagrams and well taken photos.
1. Nottingham HMRC centre coincidentally came to the news last year when it was sold to University of Nottingham to be part of its campus! The HMRC regional office was used for about 25 years only.
2. HK HSBC HQ. I should have noticed more of its design features described when passed by. No, should really go up to have a look from inside :)
3. Cerritos Theatre at LA. Fascinating design for 5 different seat configurations!
4. Le Grand Bleu @ Marseilles. So blue indeed, just like a toy :)
5 Channel Tunnel. 1st to notice there is Le Shuttle Trains for cars... and again so coincidentally that it came to the news just a few days ago when there was failure and cars and drivers were trapped ><
6. Bridges. World's 1st iron bridge @ Coalbrookdale. Still functional. Long to go to have a walk and look! Also want to see the Tyne Bridge @ Newcastle with its iconic reflection on the river and what if there is also a sunset behind !!
7. Thames Barrier. Should have gone to the Thames Barrier Park nearby to have a 1st hand look.. OK, there will be chance!
8. Kansai Airport. Have gone once / twice. Didn't notice all the great features >< Probably no more chance...
9. Bangkok BERTS to solve the traffic jam? No way... still the same

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the book occasionally feels a bit dated, it is a great deep dive into a number of fascinating structures around the world. I know I learned while reading it, as did my kid.