By analyzing ten examples of buildings that embody the human experience at an extraordinary level; this book clarifies the central importance of the role of function in architecture as a generative force in determining built form. Using familiar twentieth-century buildings as case studies; the authors present these from a new perspective; based on their functional design concepts. Here Grabow and Spreckelmeyer expand the definition of human use to that of an art form by re-evaluating these buildings from an aesthetic and ecological view of function. Each building is described from the point of view of a major functional concept or idea of human use which then spreads out and influences the spatial organization; built form and structure. In doing so each building is presented as an exemplar that reaches beyond the pragmatic concerns of a narrow program and demonstrates how functional concepts can inspire great design; evoke archetypal human experience and help us to understand how architecture embodies the deeper purposes and meanings of everyday life.
#3536204 in eBooks 2014-10-03 2014-10-03File Name: B00O5OJ8NM
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The hidden game theories of industryBy Matthew DovellInitially I must admit that I thought this book would detail more about the economics of the various commodities that make up housing (lumber; metals(copper); insulation etc) along with the costs of labor; regulation and taxation. That is not the case.There is significant game theory involved here because the book centers mostly along the lines of the closed bidding process that contractors use for work. In the respects that the parties do not know exactly what the other bidders have said in terms of a request for proposal. Different pricing; different time structure and different overall projects mean that there can be significant amounts of time for those examining other organizations and their reputations but again this brings up the possibility of randomness that can be customized for the client.Although it does mention a bit of basic political theories in the end it does so in a very justifiable and legit manner. I recommend the book because as western nations continue to construct and reconstruct themselves it serves them best to examine specifically how they ask what they want because it can greater facilitate stakeholder expectations and end results.
