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rogerd's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Accessible popular science from a passionate engineer
duparker's review
4.0
Interesting way to look at buildings. I am sop used to reading planners or architect's books, that getting the engineering POV was a nice change of pace. The sections were explained well, and while not necessarily built upon each other, did enhance the experience to consider the previous section while enjoying the present section.
mercin's review
5.0
Completely loved this book. Literally helps you see the world in a while new way. Very well written in engaging and clear language I would highly recommend it to anyone, no matter your interests. You will never look at buildings and Bridges the same way.
zach_l's review
4.0
4 stars. Before reading this book, I doubted that a structural engineer could write an educational AND fun book, but I now know it's possible. The author explains important engineering concepts like tension and tuned mass dampers, contrasts the pros and cons of building materials, and so much more in a way that is engaging without making me feel dumb/talked-down to. I feel like I have learned so much about processes and structural challenges, which could be dry topics in most other author's hands. Read this enjoyable book to develop an appreciation for skyscrapers and bridges beyond - and, at times, despite - the aesthetics.
dixiet's review
4.0
Interesting overview of the history, materials, and methods of structural engineering.
sulata's review
3.0
I found this book to be quite enjoyable. Roma Agrawal skillfully explores the fundamental elements and materials utilized in our everyday structures. She also provides a historical perspective on the evolution of material usage throughout ancient times. I genuinely loved her narrative style and her storytelling.
Okay!! Coming towards the flaw inside the book is her occasional self-centeredness. She frequently refers to the bridge and building as "hers". She fails to acknowledge the collaborative nature of engineering projects and how much team effort is important.
If you want a book that anyone can enjoy and learn from, this is the one. It explains what structural engineers do in a way that anyone can understand. It's a perfect and inspiring book for young people who are interested in building things.
Okay!! Coming towards the flaw inside the book is her occasional self-centeredness. She frequently refers to the bridge and building as "hers". She fails to acknowledge the collaborative nature of engineering projects and how much team effort is important.
If you want a book that anyone can enjoy and learn from, this is the one. It explains what structural engineers do in a way that anyone can understand. It's a perfect and inspiring book for young people who are interested in building things.
shanaqui's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I didn't get into Built at first, since this is not one of my major interests, but once Agrawal began to describe the challenges of levelling the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, I was sucked in. The problems there of subsidence -- and uneven subsidence at that -- and the history being built on were fascinating to me, and from that point I was all on board.
Agrawal explains things well, and has included helpful images as well -- especially useful for me, as someone who can't imagine anything. I don't care enormously about skyscrapers, or bridges, but once I entered into the spirit of thinking of them as problems to be solved, I got interested despite myself. Which is of course part of why I picked this up in the first place!
One quibble would be with the way the book is organised. The chapter titles aren't very informative, and it all seems to skip around quite a bit -- I didn't see any underlying logic to the organisation of the book.
Agrawal explains things well, and has included helpful images as well -- especially useful for me, as someone who can't imagine anything. I don't care enormously about skyscrapers, or bridges, but once I entered into the spirit of thinking of them as problems to be solved, I got interested despite myself. Which is of course part of why I picked this up in the first place!
One quibble would be with the way the book is organised. The chapter titles aren't very informative, and it all seems to skip around quite a bit -- I didn't see any underlying logic to the organisation of the book.