Supertall : how the worlds tallest buildings are reshaping our cities and our lives The global boom in skyscrapers why its happening now how theyre made and what they do to cities and people. We are living in a new urban age and its most tangible expression is the supertall : megastructures that are dramatically bigger higher and more ambitious than any in history. In Supertall TED Resident Stefan Al himself an experienced architect who has worked on some of the largest buildings in the world reveals the advancements in engineering design and data science that have led to this worldwide boom. Using examples from the past (the Empire State Building St. Pauls Cathedral the Eiffel Tower) and present (Dubais Burj Khalifa Londons Shard Shanghai Tower) he describes how the most remarkable skyscrapers have been designed and built. He explores the ingenious technological innovations in cement wind resistance elevator design and air conditioning that make the latest megastructures a reality. And he examines the risks of wealth inequality carbon emissions and contagion they yield while arguing for a more sustainable resilient and equitable built environment for everyone