1 comments about Hybrid Modernities: Architecture and Representation at the 1931 Colonial Exposition, Paris.

1. The French reconciled the ideals of "Liberte, Egalite and Fraternite" with the harsh reality of colonialism by cloaking their endeavor in the terms of the "Mission Civilisatrice". They believed that through conquest, they were assisting less developed people by exposing them to French Civilization, the highest manefestation of Western Civilization. For this mission to be sucessful, the Governement understood the importance of selling this "noble" idea to the French people. In 1931, the Governement held the International Colonial Exposition in Paris. The Exposition was to be a demonstration of superior French ability in the areas of administration, architecture, urban planning and scientific knowledge. The Exposition was a complete success. During its six month run, over 30 million tickets were sold to the Exposition. This Exposition was the high point of French Colonialism. At the time, nobody knew that within thirty years, the French Colonial Empire would come crashing down.
   
   "Hybrid Modernities" is a well written and lavishly illustrated study of the 1931 Exposition. Patricia Morton masterfully deconstructs the political purpose of the Exposition. With an art historian's careful eye, she shows how the architecture of the individual country pavillions was harnassed to serve the political and economic agenda of the French Government.
   
   There are several target audiences for this book. "Hybrid Modernities" is a must for anyone interested in understanding France's troubled relationship with its colonies. The book will also be of interest to those studying the social history of Paris in the 1930's. Finally, this book will be enjoyed by students of French Art Deco Architecture. "Hybrid Modernities" is a thought provoking and throughly enjoyable read.

No comments about Shanghai Architecture: Watermark Architectural Guides.

1 comments about 1100 Architect: 1998-2006.

1. As an interior designer I have been following 1100's work in the press since 1989. All I can say is they keep on getting better! David Pisuskas and Juergen Riehm's brand of clean straight forward sculpted interior environments are very refreshing. They never seem to get too caught up in the latest fashionable trends. As a designer I believe 1100 is getting it right. The last monograph was great so get this newer one too...you won't regret it.

3 comments about Castles of Friuli (Art & Architecture Series).

1. I bought this book for my father as a Christmas gift, and he loved it. My family comes from the Friuli area of Italy, and we felt that the map at the back of the book was excellent as it included small towns as well as big towns and cities. Very inclusive. It's a fun book to keep on your coffee table to look at whenever you have a spare moment. It's great to show other people from Friuli when they come over to visit. I never knew there were so many castles in the Friuli area, and the photography was great. After looking at the pictures, it is also interesting to read the heritage and culture that surround these castles. The author and photographer obviously worked very well together. I am very glad to have this book.



2. As stated in the title, this is a book about the history of the castles of Friuli. However, Ulmer's discussion will also be of interest to anyone looking for general information about castles. His intention is to debunk the "myth" of the castle by showing how the romantic image of medieval castles contrasts with historical reality. Personally, I like the myth just fine, and Ulmer's excellent argument has done nothing to diminish the fantasy for me. On the contrary, I find it easy to balance the historical data with the romantic ideal when I look at Affara's exceptional photography. In fact, I bought this book based solely on the photography and only later read the text to increase my enjoyment of those beautiful pictures. The photos include aerial views of both restored castles and ruins, details of architectural features, and restored interiors with furnishings. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of medieval castles, to anyone who appreciates breathtaking photography, and above all to anyone who likes a little reality with their romance.



3. This large heavy book is superb reading. It contains many full page photos of absolutely breathtaking buildings & to a lesser their interiors. Mirimare , near Trieste is enchanting. The text is written from the point of view of the historical development of the castle. Contains much information for the right minded person. Makes a great coffee table book and conversation piece.

No comments about Campus: An American Planning Tradition (Architectural History Foundation Book).

2 comments about Russian Houses (Evergreens).

1. First off, I must admit that I do not own this book - yet. I picked it up at random at a friend's house or, more correctly, hoisted it up, as it is printed on good paper and is very thick. Once started, I could not leave it until the end. Most books of this nature do not appeal to me very much, because they only warrant a cursory paging-through. I am sure there are many excellent books of this genre, it is just my ignorance which prevents me from appreciating them. But this one is different. The selection of the photographs is such that the pictures are never boring, and the descriptions, in spite of, or perhaps because of, their brevity, contain a surprising amount of information, which encourages one to read more about the many different subjects touched upon. This is not just a book about houses, it is a book on which one could base a study of the Russian people in its entirety, such as their history and culture in all its forms. Definitely a book I am buying.



2. For those who have been to Russia and Europe in the past, or lived there, this book highlights all beautiful details of Russia. I bought this book for my father years ago as a gift and later wanted to buy one for myself. I couldn't find it anywhere until I saw it here. I was in tears when I received it since this book has everything about the design and the heart of the country that I came to love and to know. Excellent photography!

No comments about Iowa State Fair: Country Comes to Town.

No comments about Architectural Guide Zurich 1990-2005.

No comments about Source Book of American Architecture: 500 Notable Buildings from the 10th Century to the Present.

1 comments about Contemporary Architecture in Germany 1970-1996: 50 Buildings.

1. This volume documents the development and diversity of contemporary architecture in Germany form 1970 until 1996. It featurs 50 specially chosen buildings, each on a double page with a project description, photograph(s), plan(s), sometimes section; all - in alphabetical order by architect. There are works by Alvar Aalto, Tadao Ando, Gunter Behnisch, Norman Foster, Frank Gehry, Nicholas Grimshaw, Walter Gropius, Herman Herzberger, Zaha Hadid, Hollein, Libeskind, Siza, Stirling, et al. Unlike the Paperback Studio series, this book's paper and printing leaves a bit to be desired. The B&W only illustrations are not very crisp, the text type (lettering) is very small and a bit difficult to read, and the paper is yellowish. The book is inferior to "The New German Architecture" by Feldmeyer.