Explore the dynamic world of architecture with Paul Goldberger’s “Building Up and Tearing Down.” This collection of essays from the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic offers a compelling perspective on landmark structures, influential figures like Frank Gehry and Rem Koolhaas, and the broader cultural forces shaping our built environment. From skyscrapers to museums, Goldberger’s insightful commentary, honed during his time at The New Yorker, examines both triumphs and controversies, making this a must-read for architecture enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the spaces we inhabit. This First Edition hardcover published by The Monacelli Press in 2009 is a perfect addition to your bookshelf.
Building Up and Tearing Down: Reflections on the Age of Architecture
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PAUL GOLDBERGER ON THE AGE OF ARCHITECTURE The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry, the CCTV Headquarters by Rem Koolhaas, the Getty Center by Richard Meier, the Times Building by Renzo Piano: Pulitzer Prizewinning critic Paul Goldbergers tenure at The New Yorker has documented a captivating era in the world of architecture, one in which larger-than-life buildings, urban schemes, historic preservation battles, and personalities have commanded an international stage. Goldbergers keen observations and sharp wit make him one of the most insightful and passionate architectural voices of our time. In this collection of fifty-seven essays, the critic Tracy Kidder called Americas foremost interpreter of public architecture ranges from Havana to Beijing, from Chicago to Las Vegas, dissecting everything from skyscrapers by Norman Foster and museums by Tadao Ando to airports, monuments, suburban shopping malls, and white-brick apartment houses. This is a comprehensive account of the bestand the worstof the age of architecture. On Norman Foster: Norman Foster is the Mozart of modernism. He is nimble and prolific, and his buildings are marked by lightness and grace. He works very hard, but his designs dont show the effort. He brings an air of unnerving aplomb to everything he createsfrom skyscrapers to airports, research laboratories to art galleries, chairs to doorknobs. His ability to produce surprising work that doesnt feel labored must drive his competitors crazy. On the Westin Hotel: The forty-five-story Westin is the most garish tall building that has gone up in New York in as long as I can remember. It is fascinating, if only because it makes Times Square vulgar in a whole new way, extending up into the sky. It is not easy, these days, to go beyond the bounds of taste. If the architects, the Miami-based firm Arquitectonica, had been trying to allude to bad taste, one could perhaps respect what they came up with. But they simply wanted, like most architects today, to entertain us. On Mies van der Rohe: Miess buildings look like the simplest things you could imagine, yet they are among the richest works of architecture ever created. Modern architecture was supposed to remake the world, and Mies was at the center of the revolution, but he was also a counterrevolutionary who designed beautiful things. His spare, minimalist objects are exquisite. He is the only modernist who created a language that ranks with the architectural languages of the past, and while this has sometimes been troubling for his reputation . . . his architectural forms become more astonishing as time goes on.
**Delve into the Architectural Landscape of Our Time with Paul Goldberger's "Building Up and Tearing Down"** Journey through the captivating evolution of architecture in the modern era with "Building Up and Tearing Down: Reflections on the Age of Architecture," a compelling collection of essays by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Paul Goldberger. Spanning decades of observation and insightful analysis from his tenure at *The New Yorker*, Goldberger, hailed by Tracy Kidder as "America's foremost interpreter of public architecture," offers a panoramic view of the structures, personalities, and debates that have shaped our built environment. This hardcover first edition, published in 2009 by The Monacelli Press, is a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts, students, and anyone fascinated by the forces that mold our cities and landscapes. Within its 320 pages, you'll find more than just descriptions of buildings; you'll discover a nuanced understanding of the cultural, social, and economic contexts that drive architectural innovation and preservation. Goldberger's sharp wit and unparalleled expertise illuminate a world where architectural icons like Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Rem Koolhaas's CCTV Headquarters, Richard Meier's Getty Center, and Renzo Piano's New York Times Building stand as testaments to human ingenuity and ambition. But he doesn't shy away from scrutinizing the less celebrated aspects of the built environment, from suburban shopping malls to mundane apartment blocks, offering a balanced and thought-provoking perspective on the architectural landscape as a whole. Venture beyond the headlines and discover Goldberger's insightful commentary on: * **The Masters of Modernism:** Uncover the genius of Norman Foster, whom Goldberger aptly describes as the "Mozart of modernism," exploring his effortless grace and prolific output. Gain a deeper appreciation for Mies van der Rohe's seemingly simple yet profoundly rich designs, and understand his enduring legacy as a revolutionary and counterrevolutionary figure in architectural history. * **Global Architectural Trends:** Embark on a global tour, from the revitalized streets of Havana to the burgeoning metropolis of Beijing, from the architectural heartland of Chicago to the neon-drenched spectacle of Las Vegas. Goldberger dissects the unique characteristics of each location, revealing the diverse influences that shape their built environments. * **The Art of Criticism:** Witness the power of informed architectural criticism as Goldberger fearlessly evaluates both the triumphs and the failures of contemporary design. He tackles controversial projects like the Westin Hotel in Times Square, dissecting its aesthetic choices and questioning its impact on the urban fabric. * **Preservation and Progress:** Explore the ongoing battles between preserving historic landmarks and embracing innovative new designs. Goldberger grapples with the complexities of balancing tradition and modernity, offering insightful perspectives on the challenges of urban development. With its elegant prose and incisive observations, "Building Up and Tearing Down" is more than just a collection of essays; it's an invitation to engage with the world around us in a more meaningful way. Whether you're a seasoned architect, an aspiring designer, or simply a curious observer, this book will enrich your understanding of the built environment and inspire you to see the world with new eyes. Weighing in at 1250 grams, this substantial hardcover volume is a worthy addition to any architecture library, promising hours of engaging and thought-provoking reading.
Additional information
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Binding | |
| Condition | |
| ISBN-10 | 1580932649 |
| ISBN-13 | 9781580932646 |
| Language | |
| Pages | 320 |
| Publisher | |
| Year published | |
| Weight | 1250 |
| Edition | First Edition |
