Unfrozen interviews Stefan Al, author, Supertall, founder, Stefan Al Architects, designer of Canton Tower, Guangzhou with Information Based Architecture (IBA). Intro/Outro: “History Rhymes,” by Empty City Squares Discussed: Technology: The role of technologies: concrete, elevators, air conditioning and dampers Society: Culture, social preferences, zoning, aesthetics The succession of events that led to today’s skyscrapers New York – zoning London – view corridors Hong Kong – transit-oriented development Singapore – vertical greenery “History rhymes” “Progress traps” Easter Island, Prometheus, and Pandora’s Box Irregular paths to inventions Carrier inventing air conditioning when trying to solve printing issues Using an Oregon optometrist’s office to test potential swaying of the World Trade Center, New York City, in 1965 Rafael Vinoly – 432 Park and the boat-pilot sway / chandelier test Icebergs, Zombies and the Ultra-Thin by Matthew Soules Digital Monuments by Simone Brott Reflexive practitioners