Engineering Architecture: The Work of Fazlur R. Khan

Yasmin Sabina Khan

Praise for Engineering Architecture:

"[A]n inspiration to the engineer as well as the architect." —Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians

"Yasmin Sabina Khan has written an engaging intellectual biography of her father. . . . This lengthy book is rich with ideas relevant to historians of technology...[A]n excellent variety of illustrations... Khan’s carefully researched work contributes substantially to the literature on mid-twentieth century large-scale building.”

—Technology and Culture

"Fazlur R. Khan is one of the most influential structural engineers of the 20th century… his daughter has written an account of his achievements and laced his creative timeline with descriptions of his theories and practices."

—Desert Living

"A great read. Khan's daughter both understands and honors his work, and it would be difficult to find a better book about this master of modern strctures."

—Praire Avenue Bookshop Newsletter

"[W]ell presented and has materials of great interest for structural engineers."

—The Structural Engineer

"Seldom is the life and work of a designer described so abundantly as in this book about Fazlur Kahn (1929-1982). Written by his daughter, Yasmin, who has earned her own record as designer, this book is very personable story of a driven technician with a deep love of his profession... [R]eads like a novel."

—Bouwen met Stall

“In her book about her father, Yasmin Khan establishes herself in the company of the most admired science writers, for she presents complex engineering matters in such a straightforward and accessible manner that they are immediately understandable, and delightfully so, to the lay reader. Moreover, she recounts her father's success as one of the world's most revered structural engineers as a highly readable human biography.”
—David M. Childs, S. O. M.

“[A] much needed book. The prose reads swiftly, the chapters are well-organized, and, most important, the stories they narrate are compelling.”
—Journal of Architectural Education

“Here is a book that will make you proud to be a part of the design/construction community. [A]n inspiring biography.”
—Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities

“A worthy and delightfully written tribute to a remarkable man.”
—Architectural Science Review

“Among several eminent Kahns and Khans in the history of American construction, none better deserves a full study than the subject of this book.. In both scope and detail her study.supplants the only previous book-length study of Khan's work.”
—Construction History: Journal of the Construction History Society

Overview

The structural engineer responsible for Chicago's John Hancock Center and Sears Tower, Fazlur R. Khan (1929-1982) pioneered structural systems for high-rise design that broadened the palette of building forms and expressions available to design professionals today. Through detailed examination of projects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, this study of Khan's career provides insight into architectural and engineering practice.

About the Author

Yasmin Sabina Khan, Fazlur Khan's daughter, has degrees in civil engineering and structural engineering/structural mechanics and has designed multistory buildings on both coasts.

ISBN: 0-393-73107-3
Summer 2004
192 pages, cloth, 200 illus.