In the spirit of summer’s ubiquitous reading lists, we’d like to offer up a collection of AEC-related titles recommended by BuiltWorlds members and staff. From strategic guides to business perspectives to historical stories, here are books we’re reading—or wish we had time to—during summer’s longer days.
“The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge”
David McCullough
Historian David McCullough traces the planning and ensuing 14 years required to construct the Brooklyn Bridge. “It presents almost as a biography of a project but equally brings observations and anecdotes from the life and times of the late 1800s,” says Aaron Toppston, managing partner of GS Futures, a BuiltWorlds member. “The magnitude of the project was inconceivably challenging—yet it occurred. It reminds us all that the work the industry does today remains awe-inspiring.”
“Billionaire’s Row: Tycoons, High Rollers, and the Epic Race to Build the World’s Most Exclusive Skyscrapers”
Katherine Clarke
“Billionaire’s Row” offers a detailed account of the development of new, supertall residential towers along New York’s Central Park. BuiltWorlds members designed two of the buildings discussed, notes Senior Director of Research Tyler Sewall—Central Park Tower by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, and 111 w 57th by SHoP Architects.
“Martin Dressler: The Tale of an American Dreamer“
Steven Millhauser
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a hopeful, industrious entrepreneur in 19th-century New York and the relentless ambition that overtakes him. BuiltWorlds member Zach Aarons, co-founder and general partner at Metaprop, calls it one of his favorites: “It encapsulates the dream and despair cycle of all real estate professionals.” Aaron and his Metaprop co-founder Aaron Block are themselves authors of “PropTech 101: Turning Chaos Into Cash Through Real Estate Innovation.”
“Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It”
Scott Kupor
“Although it’s not built world-specific, ‘Secrets of Sandhill Road’ is very insightful about the VC space,” says BuiltWorlds Analyst Cameron Mabley, who leads the Venture and Investment track. “Kupor is a partner at Andressen Horowitz (a16z) and has a unique perspective on advising startups about the inner workings of venture capital and how to get it. Overall, it’s a good primer on the industry and provides an inside track on how VCs operate.”
“Smart Cities: Reimagining the Urban Experience”
Paul Doherty
Paul Doherty, president and CEO at The Digit Group, is the author of nine books, including “Smart Cities” and “Unlocking the Metaverse,” his two most recent titles, suggested by BuiltWorlds Senior Analyst Sean Wrenn. Doherty joined BuiltWorlds in May for a panel discussion at our Building Conference focused on shaping the future of digitally connected and sustainable cities, which is the focus of Smart Cities.
Do you have a book to recommend? We want to hear from you. Email us at staff@builtworlds.com.
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