The work of Antoni Gaudiacute; continues to fascinate us today as it fascinated Eusebi Guuml;ell in 1878 during his visit to the Universal Exposition in Paris. He was so struck by a glove display case he saw there that he determined to contact its unknown author; a man to whom he would eventually entrust the design of no less than five hugely significant architectural projects. Suffice to mention Sagrada Famiacute;lia; Gaudiacute;rsquo;s last and most famous work; which amazes visitors today as much as or more than it did in the early 20th century; when its first four towers were just beginning to emerge. But the mark of his genius in Barcelona; Catalonia and Spain and even in the projects he never saw to fruition; such as the skyscraper for Manhattan; is far broader and more nuanced than is generally thought. From El Capricho in Comillas to the schools at Sagrada Famiacute;lia; each building; column; piece of furniture and grille evokes the creativity of a privileged mind for architecture and design.Daniel Giralt-Miracle synthesizes in this easy-to-read book the essential aspects of Gaudiacute;rsquo;s life; his time; his ideology and his methods; at the same time as he summarises the most significant elements of each work; focusing precisely on that which places him at the pinnacle of world architectural achievement.This has not always been the case however. In the same way as Gaudiacute;rsquo;s oeuvre is still a work in progress (we are unlikely to see Sagrada Famiacute;lia in all its splendour until 2026; the centenary of his death); its appreciation has evolved over time until the present day; when the architectrsquo;s exceptional work in ruled geometry can be explained better than ever through computerised design. The book summarises this evolution and brings what we thought we knew about Gaudiacute; up to date with information that has come to light in recent years. It is an indispensable volume for anyone setting out to enter the world of the Catalan architect; as well as for those who simply wish to update their existing knowledge.With superb photographs and graphics.
#607911 in eBooks 2015-06-05 2015-06-05File Name: B00Z9ZSKTE
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating!By Chrystal M. MorrisThese photographs of snowflakes are fascinating. To think that no two are alike is mind-boggling! Behind every creation is a Creator.... and this is just His busy-work!! If you look for it; you will find the Star of David pattern in many of them...some obvious; and some hidden. I am grateful to find even a used copy of this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. BeautifulBy acornAbsolutely beautiful. I fell like a little kid paging through looking at the pictures. They are amazing.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful snow....life at its most fragile and ephemerial...By Noodles momNatures finest performance art abounds in these delicate photos of one-of-a-kind disappearing acts. Each one a treasure for contemplation; some so beautiful as to defy description (page 188 for instance). It is such a relief to NOT be bombarded with glitz and hard-sell so prevalent in everything our eyes come in contact with these days. Thank you to Mr. Libbrecht for his contribution to beauty for the libraries of time. As an additional exploration and compliment to this work; you should try any book by Masaru Emoto on snowflakes ("The Hidden Messages of Water" is fascinating); and check out Libbrechts field guide to snowflakes as well. To see them momentarily appear on your mitten in winter; and then revisit their splendor captured in print is a gift. You dont need a TV or VCR or an expensive wide-screen--all you need is the book; a chair; some light; and a good cup of coffee--be with yourself for a few minutes and have a conversation with miracles.
