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Super Structures
Describes, in text and illustrations, the technological challenges involved in the design and construction of skyscrapers, oil rigs, nuclear reactors, and other complicated structures.
44 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1996
About the author
Philip Wilkinson
252 books33 followersPhilip 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.
He specializes in works on history, the arts, religion, and architecture and has written over forty titles.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 28, 2022
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
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
July 1, 2017
fascinating
June 10, 2025
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.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews