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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Alain de Botton just never disappoints. He has changed the way I think about a number of things and I'm better off for it. In The Architecture of Happiness there are no revolutionary notions but it opens the mind and the senses for beauty on several levels.
I took my time with this book. I think that is what de Botton intended. The essays are sometimes no more than two paragraphs, but each and every one packs a punch. I highlighted something on almost every page of this book. Much more than architecture, but general aesthetics, human psychology, and history. Once again, de Botton proves himself as a brilliant observer and writer.
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
As I've been reading this book I find myself looking at space and architecture differently. Very interesting.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
I originally rated this book 4 stars; but given how often I think about it, how often Sam and I talk about it, and how frequently I recommend it to library patrons and friends I had to bump it up.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
interesting enough as a philosophical examination of why we build buildings and the feelings we may derive from them.
a little preachy at times and very subjective.
a little preachy at times and very subjective.
4.5 stars. Really interesting read! The book considers the role that architecture can play in determining person's happiness and attitude. Alain de Botton has a background in philosophy so the book is very much centered around that. His use of relatable or well described references makes the reading approachable for a reader who doesn't possess a background in design or philosophy. In fact I would almost argue that the book is more aimed for the non-designer in hopes that they will understand the significance of architecture and why its 'worth it'. Really good.
This reads as a hodge-podge clipping book of Alain's thoughts on architecture. There's an almost-synthesis that starts sounding like architecture should be designed to compensate for people's neuroses, but it fell short of a complete theory. I think there are some gems here, but they need to be polished into a coherent whole.