Cities in the Sky is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the rise of supertall skyscrapers and the forces behind them. Written by economist Jason Barr, Cities in the Sky explores why cities around the world are racing to build higher than ever before. From the Empire State Building to the Burj Khalifa, Barr uncovers the economic, architectural, and cultural reasons behind the world’s tallest towers.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, city lover, or urban planning geek, Cities in the Sky offers deep insight into how skyscrapers shape skylines—and how they reflect the ambitions of entire nations. Barr dives into topics like financing, engineering breakthroughs, global building trends, and even why cities like Hong Kong became vertical powerhouses while others, like London, took decades to catch up.
Packed with engaging history and surprising facts, Cities in the Sky is both informative and accessible, making complex topics easy to understand. It’s a powerful look at how humanity’s desire to build upward is transforming modern life.
If you’re interested in the past, present, and future of skyscrapers, Cities in the Sky is the definitive guide you’ve been looking for. Learn why we keep building taller—and what it means for cities worldwide.