No comments about Dublin: A Grand Tour.

No comments about Entropia.

No comments about Architecture Bulletin 04.

No comments about Classical And Gothic: Studies in the History of Art.

No comments about Old Buildings Looking for New Use: 64 Examples from Europe.

No comments about Oase No. 63: Plat Land/Countryside (Oase).

No comments about Landscape and History since 1500 (Globalities).

1 comments about Capital Dilemma:: Germany's Search for a New Architecture of Democracy.

1. Capital Dilemma is one of those books that talk about architecture with a slight hue of fiction, which makes interesting reading. The subject matter itself is very intriguing in that it deals with the plots that Germany was subjected to through its rather tumultuous history. Architecture assumes importance as a manouvreable political tool. The classical buildings standing over time accrue layers of significance as they play host to various disparate and historically significant events of the different political eras of Germany. Also the predicament faced by contemporary Germany in its search for a new identitiy reflects strongly on the indecisive and wavering nature of contemporary planning and development control. All these are brought to light effectively by Michael Wiese, who surprisingly, is not an architectural critic. Aided generously by some good photographs, the narrative is equally exciting when it talks about the history of Hitler's third reich or about the architectural inclinations that marked the attitudes of west and east Germanys before unification. A must read for those interested in German history and politics. Also, anyone interested in the performative and symbolic power of architecture will be delighted by Capital Dilemma.

3 comments about Irving Gill and the Architecture of Reform: A Study in Modernist Architectural Culture.

1. To look back at the work of Irving Gill is a revelation. His buildings could come out of the architecture studio of today with their pared down facades, sparse oranamentation, and uniquely angled roof lines. His hotel in Torrance, Ca looks like something that a circa 2000 urban planning commission would commend--with its pedestrian friendly entrance, and urbane appearance.

   If Gill were alive today, he would throw up at what is being built in Southern California. The infantilization of buildings--with needlessly narcissistic angles, jarring colors, and arbitrary roof lines calls out for discipline of Gill. [For more nonsensical, solipsistic and soccer mommy design architecture of today, check out the new Studio City Library on Whitsett and Moorpark]

   Gill opened up buildings to their surroundings, united interiors and exteriors. He built in a way that did not diminish the occupants of his buildings, but enhanced their lives. So little ego, so much concern for the client. This book is a remarkable look into one of the early geniuses of architecture in California.




2. FINALLY a new book on the great works of Irving Gill!



3. FINALLY a new book on the great works of Irving Gill!

No comments about The Fourth Dimension in Architecture: The Impact of Building on Behavior : Eero Saarinen's Administrative Center for Deere & Company, Moline, Illino.