99% Invisible Mini-Stories: Volume 18
33 snips
Jan 9, 2024 
Kurt Kolstad, digital director and co-author of The 99% Invisible City, and Joe Rosenberg, a radio producer and linguistics expert, dive into fascinating topics. They uncover the innovative top-down construction method for skyscrapers, enhancing both safety and urban efficiency. The pair also discuss the art of filler words in conversation, illustrating their linguistic significance across cultures. Additionally, a gripping tale unfolds about the enduring underground fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania, revealing its haunting impact on the community.
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Top-Down Construction
- Detroit's Exchange tower showcases top-down construction.
- Floors are built on the ground and lifted into place, held by central cores.
Hidden Legs
- Top-down construction uses central core supports, much like typical skyscrapers.
- The difference lies in the visible "legs" during construction, not the underlying structure.
Safety and Space
- Top-down construction increases safety by performing high-risk tasks on the ground.
- It also minimizes horizontal site spread, crucial in tight urban spaces.
