Two architects raced to build the tallest tower in the world, each secretly adding height beyond the published plans. The Chrysler Building and 40 Wall Street both topped out in the autumn of 1929 — exactly as America discovered it had far too much office space. The Empire State Building followed and stood half empty for years, which is how it got its nickname. Jonn Elledge on why skyscrapers are a slightly silly form of building, economically speaking, and why ego keeps them going up anyway.
Full episode: https://youtu.be/PmixA8NmojQ