Highrise: The Towers in the World and the World in the Towers

Gr 7-10–The first half of this title explores the history of large buildings, from the earliest structures made of wood, brick, and mud, to today’s towering skyscrapers of concrete and glass. This section explores modern technological advancements and the architectural innovations that allow high-rises to grow taller. It also explains how these buildings became highly populated homes for many people in large cities and the advantages and problems posed by their growth. The second half focuses on 10 specific cities with large populations of people living in high-rises and the buildings’ residents. A personal story of an individual city dweller gives an in-depth look at what each of these people face daily, along with photos of their homes, neighbors, and cities. These stories highlight the challenges and successes of each city and its people and paints a picture of (sometimes faceless) concrete structures as homes for families.