Architectural Expressions: A Photographic Reassessment of Fun in Architecture - Softcover

Mackertich, Tony; Mackertich, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471496677 ISBN 13: 9780471496670

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2001

Synopsis

"Architectural Expressions" turns on its head the notion that architecture must be deadly serious in order to be valid. It is a testament to the wit and inventiveness of a selection of architects and building designers over the last century who have injected a sense of fun into the built environment. Over the last 30 years, brothers Peter and Tony Mackertich have traveled the western world seeking out buildings which are inspiring, innovative, and show a touch of humor. Their stunning color photographs bear witness to the fact that it is possible to make legitimate architecture whilst still retaining a smile. Boldly juxtaposing 'high' architecture with less recognized structures, the book traces the development of the spirit of fun in 20th-century building design. The buildings featured include: Einstein Tower, Potsdam, Germany (Erich Mendelsohn, 1919-24) Hoover Factory, London, UK (Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, 1932) Pan-Pacific Auditorium, Los Angeles, USA (William Wurdamen, 1936) AT & T Headquarters, New York, USA (Philip Johnson and John Burgee, 1982) Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain (Frank O Gehry, 1997), and Peckham Library, London, UK (Will Alsop, 2000). For too long, the complex theories of architecture have tended to alienate the man in the street. Happily we have now reached a time when the same buildings that are admired by architects for their cutting-edge innovations are also appreciated by the general public for their wit and visual appeal. This book will delight anyone with either a personal interest or an active role in the design of the built environment - and a sense of humor!

About this title

From the Back Cover

Architectural Expressions turns on its head the notion that architecture must be deadly serious in order to be valid. It is a testament to the wit and inventiveness of a selection of architects and building designers over the last century who have injected a sense of fun into the built environment.

Over the last 30 years, brothers Peter and Tony Mackertich have travelled the western world seeking out buildings which are inspiring, innovative, and show a touch of humour. Their stunning colour photographs bear witness to the fact that it is possible to make legitimate architecture whilst still retaining a smile. Boldly juxtaposing 'high' architecture with less recognised structures, the book traces the development of the spirit of fun in 20th-century building design.

Buildings featured include:

*Einstein Tower, Potsdam, Germany (Erich Mendelsohn, 1919-24)

*Hoover Factory, London, UK (Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, 1932)

*Pan-Pacific Auditorium, Los Angeles, USA (William Wurdamen, 1936)

*AT&T Headquarters, New York, USA (Philip Johnson & John Burgee, 1982)

*Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain (Frank O Gehry, 1997)

*Peckham Library, London, UK (Will Alsop, 2000)

For too long the complex theories of architecture have tended to alienate the man in the street. Happily we have now reached a time when the same buildings that are admired by architects for their cutting-edge innovations are also appreciated by the general public for their wit and visual appeal. This book will delight anyone with either a personal interest or an active role in the design of the built environment - and a sense of humour!

Edition details

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471496677
• ISBN 13: 9780471496670
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128