This selection of twenty of Texas proudest architectural achievements is a tiny sampling of the states rich; but little-heralded; architectural heritage. The visual presentation of these buildings in Richard Paynes insightful photographs is evidence enough to any student of Texas culture that there are deep and meaningful tracks of our civilization in the states built environment. . . . In the stones of the Alamo and the steel and glass of our downtown skyscrapers lie the silent embodiment of who we are and where we have been.mdash;from the IntroductionTexas architecture has never been; nor is it likely to be in the future; an easily digested whole. This collection; drawn from the 1983 Texas Society of Architects exhibit "Creating Tomorrows Heritage;" provides a look at twenty of the most interesting responses to the challenges posed by Texas history and geography. It reveals that what Texas architecture lacks in cohesiveness; it more than compensates for in vitality. Variations in circumstance and background; coupled with the kind of freedom which heterogeneity breeds; have produced a lively climate for architectural development in Texasmdash;a place where; in the absence of pat answers; intriguing questions have been raised. The same freedom which has produced a dearth of cohesion has encouraged exploration and invention. The same disparities which have made tidy categorization of historical movements or periods difficult have led to some evocative hybridsmdash;new and telling syntheses which are genuinely of their place.Of interest to anyone who has strolled the Paseo del Rio in San Antonio or admired the dramatically lit State Capitol at night; Landmarks of Texas Architecture is a book to be looked at and enjoyed; a place to start in creating ones own list of architectural favorites. Part of the growing interest in Texas history and culture; Landmarks adds to our understanding of the forces which shaped the Texas of yesterday and will build the Texas of tomorrow.
#2035319 in eBooks 2007-06-07 2007-06-07File Name: B008VSSFNW
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Useful information. needs more case studyBy JimmyThey should provide more case studies as reference. but overall its worth the money. Full of valuable information. would recommend.1 of 4 people found the following review helpful. DeceptionBy Juarez BotelhoI was fooled by . I paid for a colorful book and got them a book in black and white with low quality paper. I demand my rights. or give me a colorful book with a good quality paper or I want my money back immediately!!Otherwise Ill have to sue the to have my rights!2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. an exceptional workBy Sukru AslanyurekThe author has displayed a full knowledge of appropriate methodology and comprehensive approach to the subject.Although the content is limited to the UK case. the book is full of overwhelming information for an expert who wants to compare the cases with other developments elsewhere.It is an example of "country study" for the shopping centre industry that should be repeeated by other writers in other markets.It could have been useful to have a c0-author specializing onthe economics-marketing side of the subject.Dr Sukru Aslanyurek
