Why Buildings Stand Up
by Mario George Salvadori · first published 1980
4mentions
3recommended by
3HN commenters
2018–2024first – last mentioned
100% recommend
Here is a clear and enthusiastic introduction to building methods from ancient time to the present day, illustrated throughout with line drawings. In addition, Mr. Salvadori discusses recent advances in science and technology that have had important effects on the planning and construction of buildings. B/W line drawings
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I would suggest - as basic readings for those that are not structural engineers or however working in the field or familiar with it - these two (by now "classics") by Mario Salvadori: Why Buildings Stand Up: The Strength of Architecture Why Buildings Fall Down: How Structures Fail
on “Structural engineers are unsung heroes” ↗OT, but not much, if anyone is interested in how/why buildings/structures stand up or collapse, there are a couple great books by Mario Salvadori: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Salvadori Why Buildings Stand Up (1980) and Why Buildings Fall Down (1992) that are elementary enough to be read by anyone, without being at all superficial.
on “The Dark Side of Expertise” ↗Here's a bunch that are on the bookshelf at the moment: - Information Rules - Carl Shapiro & Hal Varian - Normal Accidents - Charles Perrow - Why Buildings Stand Up: The Strength of Architecture - Mario Salvadori - Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief - Jordan Peterson - The Power Broker - Robert Caro - Political Order and Political Decay - Francis Fukuyama…
on “Ask HN: Book Recommendations?” ↗Thank for the recommendation! If you're into that sort of thing, you might also enjoy Why Buildings Stand Up and Why Buildings Fall Down. Why Buildings Fall Down includes a case study on a seemingly minor change during construction that caused a walkway to collapse once it was put in use. At the risk of stating…
on “Structural engineers are unsung heroes” ↗