The Works
by Kate Ascher · first published 2005
9mentions
7recommended by
9HN commenters
2009–2017first – last mentioned
78% recommend22% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Explains how a city's infrastructure works, covering freight, mail routing, water, power and the steam grid, with many illustrations; suits readers curious about the hidden systems behind urban life.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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If you guys find this interesting, check out a book called "The Works: Anatomy of a city"[1]. It covers almost everything that makes NYC tick. From freight channels, to how post offices route everything, to how water and electricity is generated and delivered to zip codes…
on “What lies beneath New York's rivers” ↗If you like this, you'll love Kate Ascher's The Works: Anatomy of a City (http://www.amazon.com/The-Works-Anatomy-Kate-Ascher/dp/01431...). It's slightly out of date (but much more up to date than the OP!). And if you like that, you'll REALLY love Brian…
on “New York Underground” ↗I highly recommend Kate Ascher's "The Works: The Anatomy of a City" if you are fascinated by underground and other workings. https://www.amazon.com/Works-Anatomy-City-Kate-Ascher/dp/014...
on “Why Are New York City’s Streets Always Under Construction?” ↗> This is actually one of the most fascinating aspects of modern society to me. I can't resist opportunities to tour local infrastructure. Two of my favorite books: The Works: Anatomy of a City https://www.amazon.com/Works-Anatomy-City-Kate-Ascher/dp/159... What Do People Do All Day https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-What-People-World/dp/...
on “Maps that show the anatomy of America’s vast infrastructure” ↗On a similar note, about NYC infrastructure design (not just data connectivity), I highly recommend Kate Ascher's "The Works: Anatomy of a city". http://www.amazon.com/The-Works-Anatomy-Kate-Ascher/dp/01431...
on “Seeing Networks in New York City” ↗if you like this, you may find this book interesting: The Works: Anatomy of a City. my GF got it for her post grad architecture degree and i found it really well illustrated and interesting! For example it outlines the steam grid in NYC and current vs historic uses…
on “How New York City Gets Its Electricity” ↗For more infrastructure of NYC: "The Works: Anatomy of a City" by Kate Ascher I was a bit disappointed that it is so focussed on NYC, but it is nevertgheless a fantastic book with lots and lots of illustrations. Also "Underground" by David Macauley.
on “How New York City Gets Its Electricity” ↗Very interesting, and can't wait to see the print edition. Kate Ascher's "The Works: Anatomy of a City" from a few years ago is a similar book, but with a broader scope of NYC's infrastructure.
on “Seeing Networks in New York City” ↗…enforcement - comparative of US vs other nations. I've wiki-read about the Peelian Principles and curious about alternative ways of policing, crime reduction, rehabilitation A few things I read/have read: "The Works" - Kate Ascher, Jane Jacobs, LAtitudes, BLDGBLOG (and Manaugh's books), urbankchoze's blog, The Rent is Too Damn High I'm in LA and would like to be better read about some of these issues. Thanks!
on “Ask HN: Your recommended urban studies reading?” ↗