This volume explores the mathematical character of architectural practice in diverse pre- and early modern contexts. It takes an explicitly interdisciplinary approach; which unites scholarship in early modern architecture with recent work in the history of science; in particular; on the role of practice in the “scientific revolutionâ€. As a contribution to architectural history; the volume contextualizes design and construction in terms of contemporary mathematical knowledge; attendant forms of mathematical practice; and relevant social distinctions between the mathematical professions. As a contribution to the history of science; the volume presents a series of micro-historical studies that highlight issues of process; materiality; and knowledge production in specific; situated; practical contexts. Our approach sees the designer’s studio; the stone-yard; the drawing floor; and construction site not merely as places where the architectural object takes shape; but where mathematical knowledge itself is deployed; exchanged; and amplified among various participants in the building process.
#1080386 in eBooks 2015-01-03 2015-01-03File Name: B00RVZLR5O
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Book Dealing Not Only with Landscaping but also our American HistoryBy Roland DroitschThis is an extraordinary book! I highly recommend it to readers as it tells of the life of a famous landscape architect. I had thought that Olmstead was the gentleman who designed Central Park in New Your City. Yes he did but I never knew of the many other things he did; including the grounds around the U.S. Capitol and many other parks around the country. He never even went to college; but he clearly was an erudite man who was able to both design parks and organize his business structure. I highly recommend this book to those who are interested in U.S. history and also the development of many of our parks.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great mindBy Sean Patrick Innocent DineenGreat story of the man who fought for landscape Add to dictionary and disability inclusion2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A master in many fields; and the original `green visionaryBy ct readerThis is a brilliant account of an American legend. His career was a remarkable adventure: surveyor; sailor; farmer; merchant; social commentator; author; abolitionist; planner; construction manager; wartime administrator; mining executive; and (finally) consummate landscape architect. The author skillfully conveys these transitions in an lively narrative that ably portrays 19C America as well.Olmsteads creativity was served by a pragmatic versatility capable of working wonders. Anticipating dense urbanism and frontier encroachment; he pioneered municipal parks and wilderness preserves that today remain invaluable oasiss. Though largely self-taught (like Washington and Lincoln); he collaborated as an equal with the luminous figures of his day (most formally trained: Vaux; Richardson; McKim; Mead; White; Post; Burnham; Root; Hunt; Saint-Gaudens). He was interested in new technology (electric boats and lighting; drainage; transportation) and took a leading edge to incorporate it in his work.Ultimately; his legacy is not only one of exceptional work (enjoyed by many cities; including Hartford -his birthplace); but the invention of a skilled professional discipline that continues to enrich human life today.This work (illustrated and annotated) was a delight. Highly recommended. I wish it was available when I attempted to make my way through Laura Wood Ropers torturous `FLO: A Biography of Frederick Law Olmstead in 1973 (it sits on my shelf yet half unread).Also recommended: Cynthia Zaitzevskys `Frederick Law Olmsted and the Boston Park System (1982) a great record of Olmsteads Boston park development (with plans and photographs).
