From iconic neighborhoods such as the French Quarter and the Garden District to more economically modest but no less culturally vibrant areas; architecture is a key element that makes New Orleans an extraordinary American city. Delirious New Orleans began as a documentary project to capture the idiosyncratic vernacular architecture and artifacts—vintage mom-and-pop businesses; roadside motels; live music clubs; neon signs; wall murals; fast-food joints; and so on—that helped give the citys various neighborhoods their unique character. But because so many of these places and artifacts were devastated by Hurricane Katrina; Delirious New Orleans has become both a historical record of what existed in the past and a blueprint for what must be rebuilt and restored to retain the citys unique multicultural landscape.Stephen Verderber starts with the premise that New Orleanss often-overlooked neighborhoods imbue the city with deep authenticity as a place. He opens Delirious New Orleans with a photo-essay that vividly presents this vernacular architecture and its artifacts; both before Katrina and in its immediate aftermath. In the following sections of the book; which are also heavily illustrated; Verderber takes us on a tour of the citys commercial vernacular architecture; as well as the expressive folk architecture of its African American neighborhoods. He discusses how the built environment was profoundly shaped by New Orleanss history of race and class inequities and political maneuvering; along with its peculiar; below-sea-level geography. Verderber also considers the aftermath of Katrina and the armada of faceless FEMA trailers that have; at least temporarily and by default; transformed this urban landscape.
#1157186 in eBooks 2012-05-31 2012-05-31File Name: B0089LOGHA
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Solid guide to designing performing arts facilitiesBy L. SchattmanThis is a very good guide to designing performing arts facilities. The text is well organized. and bulleted lists. section headings and short chapters make the information easy to digest. despite the slightly dense writing style.Part 1 describes different types of performances. clients and buildings. It includes approximately 30 pages showing real buildings as examples of the many different building types; each example is illustrated with photographs and plans. Part 2 describes the design process. focusing on the initial stages of working with the client(s) and developing a concept.Part 3 examines specific aspects of the design. including the size and shape of the stage. acoustics. row spacing. sight lines. backstage areas. lobbies and box offices. and more. A special chapter addresses the adaption and renovation of existing buildings. Each detail is illustrated with clear diagrams.Recommended for architecture and interior design collections.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. InformativeBy KyleThe book contains a numerous amount of information for programming a theater. While it is not an exhaustive list it is good for getting a project started! I have used it on the initial phases of my thesis. No complaints here!9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. in a word. excellentBy A CustomerAppletons book is an altogether excellent "graphic standard" for the design of all aspects of a building devoted to the performing arts -- from auditoriums to lobbies and beyond. As an architectural thesis student designing a theater. the book became an invaluable resource to me.
