Building Big

David Macaulay

BookElementaryArchitect

About

A companion to a five-part PBS series focuses on the connections between the planning and design problems and the solutions that are finally reached when building bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, domes, and dams. By the author of The New Way Things Work. 100,000 first printing.

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Why it’s great

With trademark cut-away drawings, Macaulay breaks down the physics behind bridges, domes, dams, skyscrapers, and tunnels, making big engineering ideas digestible. Side margins pose quick “try this” experiments using pennies, string, or cardboard so readers can test forces at home. Historical anecdotes—​from Roman aqueducts to modern megaprojects—​prove that good design is timeless problem-solving. Ideal for tweens who crave detail and love to know how things stand up.