Modern Architecture in Latin America: Art; Technology; and Utopia is an introductory text on the issues; polemics; and works that represent the complex processes of political; economic; and cultural modernization in the twentieth century. The number and types of projects varied greatly from country to country; but; as a whole; the region produced a significant body of architecture that has never before been presented in a single volume in any language. Modern Architecture in Latin America is the first comprehensive history of this important production.Designed as a survey and focused on key examples/paradigms arranged chronologically from 1903 to 2003; this volume covers a myriad of countries; historical; social; and political conditions; and projects/developments that range from small houses to urban plans to architectural movements. The book is structured so that it can be read in a variety of ways—as a historically developed narrative of modern architecture in Latin America; as a country-specific chronology; or as a treatment of traditions centered on issues of art; technology; or utopia. This structure allows readers to see the development of multiple and parallel branches/historical strands of architecture and; at times; their interconnections across countries. The authors provide a critical evaluation of the movements presented in relationship to their overall goals and architectural transformations.
2014-12-18 2014-12-18File Name: B00RL7EGPA
Review
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good book to have at homeBy alissa5767Cute book. Stories are poetry with a bit of Spanish which makes it a fun read. I think its a good introduction for a child to a great artist.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Book for Adults and Older ChildrenBy A. MayI am not going to give a harsh rating to this volume simply because it may contain content some parents do not know how to introduce with their children. Perhaps because this book is illustrated some feel the volume is intended for picture book age readers; but it is not. The description states ages 9 and up; and that would be a time where kids could begin to be introduced to some of the terms in this book. By this age discussions of puberty and adolescence should have already started; and; in many instances; the changes themselves; so discussing some of the problems grown-ups face in adult relationships; particularly those carried out without care and discernment; would be more than appropriate. If Picassos personal life is anything; it is a cautionary tale about the havoc toying with the emotions of others causes.I also liked that this book dealt bluntly with death and with the reality of the aftermath of the Nazi bombing that inspired one of Picassos most famous paintings - it even presents an actual reproduction of that painting - "Guernica" as well as a few others.The free form of the text in this volume actually lends a lot of style to the story of Picassos life given his own styles of painting and producing art. In another book; it could become tiresome; but here it fits. Occasionally foreign language (French and Spanish) words are italicized and can be looked up in the glossary in the back of the book -- also a nice touch as is the thick matte paper used to hold the stunning illustrations that appear on each page (minus those that actually feature a work of Picasso).The only reason I am ducking this book a star is for the brief biography of Picasso featured in the back of the book immediately before a chronology of his life. I found that this biography; while not as clipped as the main prose; actually featured a lot of really terse sentences when it could have been written with a more natural flow given that it was supplemental information. I also felt like this biography over-glorified Picassos personal life in a space that could have addressed the fact that the mans ego; which allowed him to create great art; also led him into trouble when trying to sustain a personal relationship.I feel that the negative reviews here are unwarranted and think this is a very nice book for both the adult collector and for the parent who will sit and discuss more adult topics with an older child or middle schooler.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Unvarnished Overview of the Life of Picasso. PICASSO: I THE KING; YO EL REY. A Critical Review.By Andre Lawrence[[VIDEOID:moYPUWYAXG3MF9]]The toughest thing; I can say as an educator and as a childrens book author; is less about what to say but how much to say.Theres always a desire to say more than what is necessary and remorse that you didnt say enough.PICASSO: I THE KING; YO EL REY; a primarily pictorial biography of Pablo Picasso wonderfully written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand and brilliantly illustrated by David Diaz pushes the boundaries of what to say and how much to say in this provocative look at an extraordinary artist.*** ***Typically with a pictorial; a book is driven by the strength of the pictures with a brief accompanying text to add some detail not readily apparent. Then; there are some biographies that have a smattering of pictures to give you a glimpse of a text-heavy or text-driven narrative.This book is equal parts text and equal parts artwork. But; whats also interesting here is the scope and the personal and somewhat intimate discussions about Picasso and his relationships.Im measuring my critique as to being careful not to sound alarming. But; this "childrens" book is perhaps more suited for the mature "tween" and up. Despite it being label by as a childrens book; its an academic discussion for your late grade school child.This is NOT to say that I dont like it. In fact; I love it. Id rather have honest discussions about real people than pretense. It does them no good to rob them of the opportunity to discuss matters that are played out before their eyes every day.*** ***The subtitle; "Yo El Rey" seems to suggest that part or all of the book is in Spanish. With the exception of one or two words here and there; it is essentially a wholly English text.So; for what its worth; if you have a good dialogue with your child and live in a household where the arts are respected and flourish; I have no doubt that a book like this would be a welcomed treasure.
