Our Days Are Like Full Years: A Memoir with Letters from Louis Kahn

"Our Days Are Like Full Years: A Memoir with Letters from Louis Kahn" offers an unprecedentedly intimate and revealing portrait of the complex relationship between landscape architect Harriet Pattison and the legendary architect Louis Kahn. This hardcover edition, published by Yale University Press, transcends the typical biography, providing a uniquely personal perspective on Kahn's life, architectural genius, and inner world through Pattison's poignant narrative and a trove of previously unpublished letters, sketches, and photographs. Beyond the romantic aspect, this book is a significant contribution to architectural scholarship. Pattison, more than just a muse, was Kahns intellectual partner and confidante. Her memoir offers fresh insights into his design process, shedding light on the evolution of some of his most iconic works, both realized and unrealized. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the inspirations, struggles, and philosophies that shaped Kahn's distinctive architectural vision. Explore the nuances behind masterpieces like the Salk Institute, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh through the lens of someone who was intimately involved in their conceptualization. What sets this book apart is the inclusion of Kahns personal correspondence. These letters, postcards, and telegrams, penned over their fifteen-year relationship, offer a rare glimpse into Kahn's personality, revealing his passions, vulnerabilities, and artistic fervor. Pattisons accompanying reflections contextualize these communications, providing a framework for understanding their significance within the broader narrative of their relationship and Kahn's career. The book features meticulously reproduced drawings and photographs, many previously unseen, further enriching the reader's experience and providing visual documentation of Kahn's creative process and the couple's shared life. "Our Days Are Like Full Years" is not merely a biography or an architectural study; it's a compelling human story of love, ambition, and artistic collaboration. Pattison's voice is honest and insightful, navigating the complexities of her relationship with Kahn, who was married and significantly older. She candidly explores the challenges of forging her own artistic identity as a landscape architect while simultaneously navigating her role as Kahns partner and the mother of his son, Nathaniel Kahn (who later directed the Academy Award-nominated documentary "My Architect"). It is a story of a woman's journey to self-discovery amidst the demanding presence of a towering figure. This meticulously crafted memoir will appeal to a wide audience, from architecture enthusiasts and design professionals to readers interested in biography, art history, and compelling love stories. It is a valuable addition to any library, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of Louis Kahn and the woman who played a pivotal role in his life and work. Weighing 680 grams and spanning 448 pages, this book is a substantial and absorbing read. Discover the untold story behind one of the twentieth century's most influential architects and the captivating woman who shared his days like full years. Published in 2020, this work is a cornerstone of architectural literature and biographical storytelling.