We spend a lot of our lives in buildings, but how many of us really think about how they're built and what they do for us? As society developed, architects needed to create different kinds of structure - from palaces and temples to modern factories and airports. This book explores the science of architecture since ancient times, and examines the life cycle of a building, from design to demolition. It looks at the challenges faced by today's architects, including how to build in areas prone to natural disaster, and how to build sustainably, so that our structures don't end up damaging the planet. After all, the first kilometer-high building is already under construction! Features include funny and interesting illustrations; real-world science examples; side panels to tackle complex subject matter in a fun and relevant way; detailed glossary and more.
