LAI International Author 2024
Jason Barr, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Rutgers University
Recognizing an accomplished scholar, writer, educator and one of the world's foremost experts on the economics of skyscrapers, notably in his books, Building the Skyline: The Birth and Growth of Manhattan’s Skyscrapers and Cities in the Sky: The Quest to Build the World’s Tallest Skyscrapers.
This award is presented either to a journalist or an author whose efforts have contributed to a greater understanding of the principles, practices and greater awareness of land economics. The journalism award is for a sustained, exemplary contribution to a national or regional body of work. The author award is for an exemplary book-length publication.
In recognition for his contribution to the principles, practices and greater awareness of land economics through the publication of his books Building the Skyline and Cities in the Sky.
Jason M. Barr is a member of the New York City Chapter and professor of economics at Rutgers University-Newark and an affiliated member of the Rutgers Global Urban Systems (GUS) Ph.D. program. He is a highly accomplished scholar, writer, and educator and is one of the world's foremost experts on the economics of skyscrapers.
Over the last two decades, Dr. Barr has written extensively about economics, land economics, and real estate economics. His writings have appeared in many newspapers and magazines, including in The New York Times, StarTrek.com, Dezeen.com, Scientific American, Vital City, City Journal, and The Irish Independent. He currently writes the Skynomics Blog, which discusses topics related to land economics, skyscrapers, and cities.
In 2016, Dr. Barr's book Building the Skyline: The Birth and Growth of Manhattan's Skyscrapers was published by Oxford University Press, with a paperback release in the following year. In Building the Skyline, Dr. Barr chronicles the economic and real estate history of the Manhattan skyscrapers and provides insights into the economic forces that have created its distinctive and iconic form. Along the way, he busts some key myths and misconceptions about Manhattan's land use.
Dr. Barr's book has received critical acclaim within the academy and the larger public including positive reviews in the Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians and the Journal of Urban History. The book was listed on Architectural Record's 2017 Summer Reading List and was included in Curbed.com's list of 101 Books About Where and How We Live. A Chinese translation of the book is currently in the works.
More information about his book can be found at his book website: https://buildingtheskyline.org/.
On May 14, 2025, Dr. Barr's second book, Cities in the Sky: The Quest to Build the World's Tallest Skyscrapers, was published by Scribner Books.
The world's skyscrapers have brought us awe and wonder, yet they remain controversial for their high costs, shadows, and overt grandiosity. But, decade by decade, they keep getting higher and higher. What is driving this global building spree of epic proportions? In Cities in the Sky, Barr explains why they appeal to cities and nations, how they get financed, why they succeed economically, and how they change a city's skyline and enable the world's greatest metropolises to thrive in the 21st century. Along the way, the book addresses myths and misconceptions about the role of tall buildings in regard to urbanization and land use.
Since its release, the book has garnered wide praise and has been reviewed in several leading newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and Business Standard (India). The review from August 3 in The Financial Times listed Cities in the Sky as a "Best Book of the Week," and states, "There is plenty to enjoy here, on everything from structural engineering and elevator technology to spires and the economics of views." The Wall Street Journal review says, "Barr examines to great effect the dictum ‘all real estate is local,’ exploring the allure of skyscrapers and the global race to boast the world’s tallest towers in cities from London to Dubai to Shenzhen, China. . . . a welcome addition to the rich canon of books on the topic."
More information about the book can be found at his book website: https://www.citiesintheskybook.com/.
