Underground
By David Macauley
How do workmen lay utilities cables? Where does your sewage go? What’s underneath the ground floor of the building? These are all questions that you can find answers to in Underground by David Macauley.
When I took an introductory course to civil engineering, I was in awe at what lengths the engineers had to go to in order to make our urban lives possible. Buildings, regardless of how tall they are, only form the tip of the iceberg, what really matters lies underground and out of sight.
The next time your local councilman or councilwoman proposes the upgrading or maintenance of critical infrastructure you can’t see, just remember that your quality of life may depend on it. The fun and friendly sketches and cross-sectional diagrams make a technical subject much easier to swallow for the average Joe.
With so many diagrams and so few word’s, I’d say it’s suitable for anyone aged 12 and up.
