Highrises Publications, 2023.
In Highrises Art Deco: 100 Spectacular Skyscrapers from the Roaring ’20s to the Great Depression, digital artist Chris Hytha has exploited drone photography to create stunning views of skyscrapers across the United States. His images are paired with histories researched and written by skyscraper historian Mark Houser. In this program we took a closer look at the character and craftsmanship of Art Deco towers across America through the drone's-eye views of the Highrises Collection. Hytha and Houser have traveled coast to coast to document noteworthy landmarks of the Jazz Age, focusing on lesser-known architectural marvels beyond the boundaries of New York City and Chicago. We learned how Hytha creates his unique high-res images and heard Houser's stories of the local tycoons and architects who dramatically altered their city skylines.
Chris Hytha is a designer and visual artist from Philadelphia with a passion for photography and a degree in architecture from Drexel University. Mark Houser is a freelance journalist, author, and speaker who gives public tours of antique skyscrapers in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Their new book, Highrises Art Deco, was launched with a Kickstarter campaign in summer 2023 that was fully funded in 24 hours. Since then, the book and full online Highrises Collection of 200 skyscrapers in more than 60 U.S. cities has received glowing media reviews and has been featured and exhibited at events in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit.
After a brief introduction by Director Carol Willis, Chris Hytha presents his photography and process. Then, Mark Houser reveals the history of the towers. The video concludes with a discussion between the authors and Carol Willis.