1 comments about Manhattan Architecture.

1. This book is wonderful! It tells about Manhattan architeture not only with words, but mainly with pictures! There are tons of full-page, vivid color photos that visualize the words printed on the page. A definite book for anyone enthralled with the architecture of the Greatest City in the World!

No comments about Model Graphics.

No comments about What is Deconstruction? ("What Is...?" Series).

No comments about Capsular Civilization, The (Reflect).

No comments about Essential Gaudi.

No comments about Architecture of the British Empire.

2 comments about Daniel Libeskind: Radix Matrix.

1. It's really difficult to describe Daniel Libeskind's works when he doesn't profess himself to be an architect & yet, claiming that he's not a non-architect either. So, what is he? Anyway, his work is very abstract & cerebral. Daniel is a very eclectic & talented individual, with degrees in music, mathematics, architecture & upon submitting his pieces for competitions, he actually used music sheet! Then, he questioned if the outcome of the competitions was decided by a panel of jury, & was that the rite thing to do. In many instances, readers might feel that we're getting somewhere in understanding his works & subsequently, a curveball would be thrown & we would end up just as confused as when we first started. Suffice to say that he's an urban planner, looking at the overall picture, believes in evolution of designs which would benefit future generations. He argued that his high profile work for the connection between the Berlin Museum & the Jewish Museum might be nicknamed "zigzag" but in actuality, in real life, its presence conveys something otherwise. If readers could look beyond his supposedly desconstructive work, he's in fact a traditionalist & a realist. Daniel is forever arguing with himself & there's nothing more enjoyable to him than engaging in discussions. I wish that there were more pictures of his works but most of them were taken in a hurry, or that they were pictures of models. There were also descriptions of some kinds of his modern art works & sculptures (or machines)? The writings at the end of the book is intensive reading, but there's undeniable of Daniel's depth & it's about time someone of his calibre racks up the architecture world with his avant-garde thinking. Other projects worth reading here are Alexanderplatz, Berlin; The Spiral: Extension to the Victoria & Albert Museum; Jewish Community Centre & Synagogue, Duisburg; & so forth. Not for the faint-hearted but highly recommended.



2. Fans, just for fans,ONLY for those who had a previous approach to libeskind's work. (results as to much for first-timers) advanced desconstruction followers will feel satisfied of owning this piece. The "plus" comes in the writings, the way they are writen is pure and simple "congruence" something worth to be digested.

No comments about Stadteinfälle / City Invasions: 14 Internationale Projekte für Wien / 14 International Projects for Vienna.

4 comments about Ruskin's Venice: The Stones Revisited.

1. A beautiful book, but it is principally a very short compendium of the Ruskin book assorted with awesome pictures!



2. I am a yearly visitor to Venice and an amateur of Venetian history. I have tried to read the original Ruskin several times and always got bogged down in it. This book does a lovely job highlighting Ruskin's voluminous work with wonderfully detailed photography. I was in Venice 2 weeks ago and having read this book greatly enhanced my appreciation of the architectural details of many buildings. Highly recommended for anyone desiring to take the time to study the exquisite fine points of this jewel of a city.



3. I read an original copy (circa 1890), a three volume set with beautiful, color stone lithographs and (of course) no editorial abridgment. It became a gift to a friend wanting to learn about architecture as the best possible starting point. I cannot condone abridgment of this work. Particularly as Ruskin's illustrations really clarify his presentation.
   
   But if one is willing to overlook unnecessary editorial wiseacreing, this book is obviously a classic. It is a marvelous experience to be able to look at a building, any building, when driving or walking down a street, and know the history, name, and significance of each of its facets and adornments.
   
   Unless you happen to live in an area with considerable architectural variety, you will find your newly acquired skills only serve to confirm your opinion that we live in an age of totally bland and meaningless construction.
   
   I cannot recommend this book (at least in its original) highly enough.



4. This is a deeply inspiring photographic account of Ruskin's commitment to Venice. It serves as a remarkable and revelatory companion to Ruskin's THE STONES OF VENICE and, to any one who cares about this city, it is an entirely necessary book. It is difficult to imagine how it might have been done better.

No comments about Modern Architecture in an Oxford College: St John's College 1945-2005.