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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
this made me sob : ( one of the best books ive read this year
One of the best books I've ever read about the built environment, and one that made me inherently trust both myself and the author's thoughts. It felt like I was being heard before I knew how to speak these thoughts/feelings.
Second one reading this book and it never disappoints. I savored the book this time, whereas the first time I definite read in a day to satisfy for my arch theory class.
As an designer in architecture, this book and the documentary were pretty essential to watch & read in architecture school. I will say, if you are looking to find some hidden depth and meaning, do not listen to an audiobook. I would also encourage one to watch the documentary as well, or as a companion piece; especially for those that are more visually inclined and thrive from beautiful imagery on the screen versus the page.
I gave this book 4/5 stars, primarily because this topic has been discussed, by many throughout the centuries in different forms, which is why I personally prefer the documentary. The film version provides silence, minimalism and becomes its own piece of art, hence providing a new insight into the conversation and inspiration for aesthetic beyond what the book can provide….but that’s just me.
As an designer in architecture, this book and the documentary were pretty essential to watch & read in architecture school. I will say, if you are looking to find some hidden depth and meaning, do not listen to an audiobook. I would also encourage one to watch the documentary as well, or as a companion piece; especially for those that are more visually inclined and thrive from beautiful imagery on the screen versus the page.
I gave this book 4/5 stars, primarily because this topic has been discussed, by many throughout the centuries in different forms, which is why I personally prefer the documentary. The film version provides silence, minimalism and becomes its own piece of art, hence providing a new insight into the conversation and inspiration for aesthetic beyond what the book can provide….but that’s just me.
reflective
fast-paced
Het boek leest prettig weg, maar de diepgang ontbreekt. Typische witte mannen blik op de wereld.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
This book was impossible as an audiobook, but the digital version made sense of the author's ideas. Without seeing examples of the buildings and architectural styles he referenced, I was utterly lost. It still took a very long time to finish, even by my own standards. Something just wasn't moving me to return to it very often.
A masterfully nuanced take on architecture that contains shades of psychology and philosophy. I can definitely see myself coming back to this one for many many years.
Favorite lines:
"To describe a building as beautiful therefore suggests more than a mere aesthetic fondness; it implies an attraction to the particular way of life this structure is promoting through its roof, door handles, window frames, staircase and furnishing...a material articulation of our certain ideas of a good life."
"Endeavoring to purchase something we think beautiful may in fact be the most unimaginative way of dealing with the longing it excite in us, just as trying to sleep with someone may be the bluntest response to a feeling of love. What we seek, at the deepest level, is inwardly to resemble, rather than physically to possess, the objects and places that touch us through their beauty."
"We require consistency in our buildings, for we are ourselves frequently close to disorientation and frenzy...environments act as guardians of a calmness. The architects who benefit us most may be those generous enough to lay aside their claims to genius in order to devote themselves to assembling graceful but predominantly unoriginal boxes. Architecture should have the confidence and the kindness to be a little boring."
"Buildings are choirs rather than soloists; they possess a multiple nature from which arise opportunities for beautiful consonance as well as dissension and discord."
Favorite lines:
"To describe a building as beautiful therefore suggests more than a mere aesthetic fondness; it implies an attraction to the particular way of life this structure is promoting through its roof, door handles, window frames, staircase and furnishing...a material articulation of our certain ideas of a good life."
"Endeavoring to purchase something we think beautiful may in fact be the most unimaginative way of dealing with the longing it excite in us, just as trying to sleep with someone may be the bluntest response to a feeling of love. What we seek, at the deepest level, is inwardly to resemble, rather than physically to possess, the objects and places that touch us through their beauty."
"We require consistency in our buildings, for we are ourselves frequently close to disorientation and frenzy...environments act as guardians of a calmness. The architects who benefit us most may be those generous enough to lay aside their claims to genius in order to devote themselves to assembling graceful but predominantly unoriginal boxes. Architecture should have the confidence and the kindness to be a little boring."
"Buildings are choirs rather than soloists; they possess a multiple nature from which arise opportunities for beautiful consonance as well as dissension and discord."
Without seeing examples of the architectural styles and ornaments, the descriptions were not sticking in my imagination. While I am interested in architecture, I lack the vocabulary to categorize a building on sight. Switching to the ebook for the pictures.